Minister: Limited dual citizenship proposal not only for foreign nationals
Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas has emphasised that the proposed legislative changes to open limited dual citizenship for certain talents are not only intended for foreign nationals (WNA).
The statement addressed concerns raised by representatives of the Diaspora Indonesia Institute, who voiced their worries through the ‘Pasti Ada Solusi’ programme in Jakarta on Friday.
“The President, in his state address yesterday, never once mentioned that the proposal was only for foreigners,” said Supratman.
On the contrary, he said, the President stressed that if there are diaspora members who meet the qualifications for limited dual citizenship, they will be prioritised.
During the programme, one representative of the Diaspora Indonesia Institute, Frank Simarmata, expressed concerns about the issue of plans to grant limited dual citizenship for certain talents only to foreign nationals and the lack of detailed regulation on the matter.
In principle, Supratman affirmed that Indonesia adheres to the principle of single citizenship.
However, over time, he said, dual citizenship in Indonesia is currently granted on a limited basis to children of mixed marriages under Law Number 12 of 2006 on Citizenship, up to a certain age before they must choose.
Most recently, the President has called for limited dual citizenship to be granted to certain talents deemed capable of contributing to the national interest.
The Law Minister said the talents in question are primarily in the fields of science, technology, mathematics, medicine, and so on.
“Of course, the social sciences are certainly also needed,” he said.
Nevertheless, he stressed that the government will implement the policy very selectively, including the possibility that applications will be submitted by the institutions or ministries that need the talent, rather than by individuals.
He also expressed hope that all parties can wait patiently regarding the policy, as it is still a proposal and has not yet become a political decision.
“We are also still gathering various inputs, such as from the diaspora, so that they can later be incorporated into the Citizenship Bill,” said Supratman.
When delivering the government’s introductory statement on the Bill on the 2027 State Budget and its Financial Note at the Parliament Complex in Jakarta on Friday (14/7), President Prabowo Subianto said Indonesia has millions of diaspora members spread across various countries.
He said some of them have skills that Indonesia needs, including scientists, doctors, engineers, artificial intelligence experts, researchers, entrepreneurs, artists, and athletes.
According to him, some Indonesian diaspora members have changed citizenship for various reasons, such as global career development, family needs, or service abroad.
Therefore, the Head of State believes Indonesia does not need to force its best talents to choose between opportunities to work at a global level and ties with the homeland.
“Today the government will propose to this honourable house a change in the law to open limited dual citizenship for those with exceptional talent who can make an extraordinary contribution to the national interest,” he said.
Prabowo stressed that the policy will be designed selectively and measurably. Prospective dual citizenship recipients will also go through a series of stages, including an integrity test.
In addition, the government will clearly regulate rights and obligations and consider the protection of Indonesia’s security and interests.