August 14, 2026 | 08:18 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Prabowo Subianto proposed a revision to Law Number 12 of 2006 concerning Citizenship, to accommodate the granting of limited dual citizenship to diaspora who are considered to have made significant contributions to Indonesia. Prabowo conveyed the plan during his annual speech before members of the House of Representatives (DPR) in Senayan, Jakarta on Friday, August 14, 2026. "Today I convey to the council, the Indonesian government's suggestion, our suggestion, that we allow dual citizenship for certain talents needed by the Indonesian nation," said Prabowo.
According to the Gerindra Party Chair, Indonesia has millions of diaspora. Prabowo stated that the Indonesian diaspora includes many world-class professionals, such as scientists, doctors, engineers, artificial intelligence experts, researchers, entrepreneurs, artists, and athletes, including football players.
Prabowo said some of them were forced to take up other citizenship due to career, family, or service needs abroad. He said that Indonesia should not force its most talented individuals to choose between global job opportunities and their ties to their homeland.
Therefore, Prabowo said, the government wants to open up the opportunity to grant limited dual citizenship to those with special talents and who can make extraordinary contributions to the national interest.
Currently, the Citizenship Law adheres to the principle of single citizenship and does not recognize dual citizenship, except in limited cases involving children born to mixed-race couples or in countries that follow the jus soli principle. However, these children are only permitted to have dual citizenship until they reach a certain age, at which point they must choose one citizenship.
Prabowo stated that the policy changes would be designed selectively and measurably. They would be accompanied by integrity tests and clear obligations. "And with full protection of national security and interests," said the Gerindra Party Chairman.
Today, Prabowo delivered two speeches to Parliament. The first, delivered at the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Annual Session, was a state address commemorating Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day and discussed the performance report of state institutions.
In his second speech, Prabowo addressed the DPR Plenary Session to submit the 2027 Draft State Budget (RAPBN), along with its financial notes.
Read: DSI Spots $5bn in Potential Additional State Revenue, Prabowo Claims
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