Prabowo Proposes Limited Dual Citizenship for Diaspora Talent
President Prabowo Subianto has announced a government plan to amend citizenship legislation to allow limited dual citizenship for specific talented individuals. Speaking during the submission of the 2027 State Budget Bill and its Financial Notes at the Parliament Complex in Jakarta on Friday, Prabowo stated that the scheme is designed for diaspora members who can make significant contributions to national interests.
Prabowo highlighted the millions of Indonesians living and working abroad, noting that many possess strategic competencies needed to strengthen the country’s development. The targeted talent includes scientists, doctors, engineers, artificial intelligence experts, researchers, entrepreneurs, artists, and athletes.
He observed that many diaspora members have adopted foreign citizenship due to international career paths, family considerations, or overseas service commitments. The government believes these individuals should not have to choose between a global career and maintaining their Indonesian citizenship ties.
“Today, the government will propose to this honourable assembly a change in the law to allow limited dual citizenship for those with exceptional talent who can make extraordinary contributions to the national interest,” Prabowo said.
The President stressed that the policy would not be applied universally. A selective and measured mechanism will be established, with candidates undergoing assessment stages including integrity checks. The government will also clearly define the rights and obligations attached to this citizenship status, with national security and the protection of Indonesia’s interests serving as key considerations in policy formulation.
This initiative follows previous naturalisation programmes granted to athletes, including those who later joined the Indonesian national football team. Minister of Law Supratman Andi Agtas had earlier outlined a similar concept in July 2026, proposing a limited dual citizenship scheme through a revision of the Citizenship Law to address the country’s need for diaspora members with strategic competencies.