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RI diaspora to discuss contribution to national development
Members of the Indonesian diaspora currently living abroad will take part in the third Indonesian Diaspora Congress (IDC), to be held on Aug
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embers of the Indonesian diaspora currently living abroad will take part in the third Indonesian Diaspora Congress (IDC), to be held on Aug. 12-14, to raise awareness about building and advancing national development, as well as bringing up the issue of dual citizenship.
The congress is organized by the Indonesian Diaspora Network (IDN) and aims to bring members of the Indonesian diaspora back to Indonesia to discuss issues relevant to the country's future development, using the knowledge and skills that they have gained abroad.
'This is the chance to show our dedication to our country so that we, the diaspora, can contribute together for the benefit of the nation. There are more than 4 million active members of the Indonesian diaspora and many have proven their worth on the international stage,' IDN president Muhammad Al Arif said in a teleconference at the foreign ministry on Wednesday.
Arif added that the potential of the Indonesian diaspora had already been tested, and that what they aimed to do at the congress was to discuss pressing national issues such as intercity cooperation, economic growth, development and the burgeoning creative economy with participating members of the diaspora.
'We aim to build connections between the diaspora and figure out what solutions we can offer to these pressing issues,' he said.
Meanwhile, another issue that will be discussed at the congress is the problem of dual citizenship. Arif explained that according to the 2006 Dual Citizenship Law no. 12, those with dual citizenship must choose one or the other to adopt by the time they reach the ages of 18 to 21.
A revision of the law has made its way into the House of Representatives' National Legislation program (Prolegnas) for 2015-2019.
'We are advocating that dual citizenship be not given according to age because we do not want our children to face the difficult choice of choosing between becoming a good asset for the country and becoming an Indonesian citizen,' he elaborated.
Arif added that the idea is to allow someone to uphold their Indonesian citizenship, rather than turn foreigners into Indonesian citizens.
The event will be held at the Bidakara Convention Center in Jakarta, and will mostly involve 75 chapters of the Indonesian diaspora from 44 countries around the world.
