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Govt shows signs that it may allow dual citizenship
The government has signaled that it may allow dual citizenship in the future, considering the growing role of the Indonesian diaspora, which could benefit the country, a top minister says.
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Arcandra Tahar (left) - Luhut Pandjaitan (right) (Antara/JP)
T
he government has signaled that it may allow dual citizenship in the future, considering the growing role of the Indonesian diaspora, which could benefit the country, a top minister says.
Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Luhut Pandjaitan said the country should pay more attention and provide better opportunities to its citizens abroad, those who had settled overseas, to return to Indonesia and fulfill their ambitions to develop Indonesia from within.
"Don't argue over regulations that we can still amend. What's more important is that we have the best Indonesians working with future generations to make our country better," Luhut said on Wednesday.
The statement follows the controversy surrounding former energy and mineral resources minister Arcandra Tahar, who was recently dismissed by President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo from his position for allegedly holding dual US-Indonesian citizenship.
There are many Indonesians living abroad in the US, European countries, as well as Australia, who would like to come back to contribute for the benefit of the country, Luhut said, adding that 24 Indonesian professors had settled down in the US, but had expressed interest in returning to the country.
Earlier in 2015, Jokowi promised that his administration would seek ways to allow Indonesian citizens and their families living abroad to hold dual citizenship. The President was urged to immediately amend Law No. 12/2006 on citizenship, which currently does not allow citizens to hold dual citizenship. (dmr)
