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Arcandra to have Indonesian citizenship reinstated in a week
Dismissed energy and mineral resources minister Arcandra Tahar may have his Indonesian citizenship reinstated in a week as the Law and Human Rights Ministry has begun the citizenship-reinstatement process.
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Then energy and mineral resources minister Arcandra Tahar enters his official car after attending a meeting at the Office of the Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister on Aug 9. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo dismissed Arcandra on Monday amid controversy over his citizenship status. (Antara/Akbar Nugroho Gumay)
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ismissed energy and mineral resources minister Arcandra Tahar may have his Indonesian citizenship reinstated in a week as the Law and Human Rights Ministry has begun the citizenship-reinstatement process.
Efforts for the former minister to have his citizenship reinstated are being carried out as the government sees Arcandra as someone with vast capabilities that may prove beneficial for the country, director general for public law administration at the ministry Freddy Harris said on Thursday.
"Arcandra holds patent rights, therefore he may provide useful input for the country," Freddy said as quoted by tribunnews.com.
The government will speed up Arcandra's citizenship-reinstatement to be completed within a week. The process also includes approval from the House of Representatives, Freddy said.
"The government is ready and we ask the House of Representatives to give their consideration," he added.
Arcandra gained US citizenship in 2012 after spending 20 years there as an oil executive. Although the US recognizes dual citizenship, Indonesia does not. According to the law, Arcandra lost his Indonesian citizenship after pledging alliance to another country. Shortly after being offered a position as a minister, Arcandra renounced his US citizenship, government officials confirmed.
Arcandra, who held his position as energy minister for 19 days, has several international patents in offshore fields. He was dismissed with honor by President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo on Monday evening amid controversy over his citizenship status. (rin)
