Indonesia plans to allow dual citizenship for some in law change

Indonesia plans to amend its citizenship law to allow dual nationality for some of its people, President Prabowo Subianto said Friday.

In a speech outlining the draft state budget for next year, Prabowo said, “I conveyed to the parliament the Indonesian government’s suggestion that we allow (dual) citizenship for certain talents the country needs.”

Prabowo said millions of Indonesians live abroad, including outstanding scientists and world-class professionals, but some choose another nationality for reasons such as career or family.

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“We must not force Indonesia’s best talent to choose between opportunities to contribute to the world and their ties to their homeland,” Prabowo said, adding that the government will formulate criteria for determining eligibility for dual citizenship based on integrity screenings while fully protecting national security and interests.

Under current law, Indonesia does not recognize dual citizenship for adults, while children from mixed-nationality marriages must decide whether to retain their Indonesian citizenship after turning 18. /dl