Indonesia Proposes Limited Dual Citizenship for Skilled Diaspora

The Indonesian government has proposed introducing limited dual citizenship through revisions to the Citizenship Law, aiming to accommodate the country's need for highly skilled members of the Indonesian diaspora with strategic expertise.

Minister of Law Supratman Andi Agtas said the proposed amendment has been submitted to the President, who is expected to issue a Presidential Letter before the bill is discussed with the House of Representatives (DPR).

The proposed dual citizenship scheme would not be universally available, but would instead be limited to individuals whose expertise is considered essential to the country's interests. Such professionals in mind are in strategic fields such as nuclear science, chemistry, medicine, as well as elite athletes needed to represent Indonesia in international competitions. Thus, it will be called ‘Limited Dual Citizenship’.

Eligibility would not be based on individual applications. However, candidates must be formally nominated by relevant government ministries or state institutions based on national needs.

Additionally, the proposal responds to public aspirations to retain the contributions of talented Indonesians living abroad, many of whom are reluctant to relinquish their foreign citizenship despite possessing expertise that could benefit Indonesia.

This proposal isn’t entirely new. In 2024, then Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, floated the idea of granting dual citizenship to members of the Indonesian diaspora. However, shortly afterwards, Luhut clarified that the proposal was still far from implementation because it would require amendments to Indonesia's Citizenship Law.

Under Indonesia's current Citizenship Law No. 12 of 2006, dual citizenship is only permitted on a limited basis for children born outside Indonesia to mixed-nationality parents—one Indonesian citizen and one foreign national. These children are required to choose a single citizenship once they turn 18 years old or get married, whichever comes first.