Indonesia Considers Highly Selective Dual Citizenship for National Talents

Indonesia's State Secretary, Prasetyo Hadi, has stated that President Prabowo Subianto's proposal to permit limited dual citizenship for select Indonesians is still under review and has not yet been formalized into government policy. Should the proposal eventually be approved, Hadi emphasized that the government would implement stringent criteria to determine eligibility. "If we agree to adopt it, of course it will be highly selective," he said. The Gerindra Party politician further noted that the proposal requires additional study, and the government has not yet established a specific mechanism for its implementation. He stressed that any future dual citizenship policy would not be a blanket application for all who meet broad requirements, nor would it simplify the process of obtaining Indonesian citizenship. "This will not be a policy that automatically applies to everyone or can be obtained easily. That is not how it will work," Prasetyo asserted. President Prabowo initially put forward the idea of limited dual citizenship during an address at the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) on August 14. He urged the House of Representatives (DPR) to amend Law No. 12 of 2006 on Citizenship to accommodate dual citizenship for members of the Indonesian diaspora who have made or could make substantial contributions to the country. Prabowo specifically mentioned the need to attract world-class professionals such as scientists, doctors, engineers, AI experts, researchers, entrepreneurs, artists, and athletes, including footballers, who may have obtained foreign citizenship due to career opportunities or personal circumstances abroad. The president argued that Indonesia should not compel highly skilled citizens to choose between international opportunities and their connection to their homeland.

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If we agree to adopt it, of course it will be highly selective.