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Indonesia weighs limited dual citizenship for its overseas diaspora

The plan would let only selected Indonesians abroad hold dual nationality, targeting experts and other skills deemed important to national development.

Reported · Written up by our desk · Asia

Indonesia is considering a revision to its citizenship law that would introduce limited dual nationality for some Indonesians living abroad, a shift from the country’s long-standing single-citizenship framework since independence in 1945, according to SCMP Economy.

Under the current system, children of mixed marriages can hold dual citizenship until age 18, followed by three years to choose one nationality. The new proposal would restrict dual citizenship not to all Indonesians abroad, but to selected individuals whose expertise is judged important for national development, such as scientists, medical specialists, athletes, and others recommended by ministries, state agencies, or reputable institutions.

For diaspora members, the change is tied to the trade-offs of naturalizing elsewhere. SCMP Economy reported that in June, Indonesia’s Ministry of Law said more than 8,000 Indonesians applied to renounce their citizenship over the past five years, mostly because of marriage to foreigners.

SCMP Economy also highlighted the hopes and motivations of Indonesians abroad who have been frustrated by having to give up original nationality to secure foreign status, describing how even limited dual citizenship could make it easier to maintain legal and emotional ties while living outside Indonesia.

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