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View all search resultsHouse kickstarts discussion on dual citizenship amid concerns for diaspora welfare
The discussion revolved around the benefits that Indonesia would gain once it legally acknowledges dual citizenship, and, therefore, cementing the strategic role of roughly 8 million members of the Indonesian diaspora as valid and active contributors to national development.
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Indonesian diaspora gatherings bring together Indonesians who live outside of the country to share their experiences, aspirations and ideas for the country according to their varied interests and professions. (Shutterstock/File)
The long-gestating plan to revise the 2006 Citizenship Law has taken center stage once again as the House of Representatives invited a number of experts and stakeholders to discuss the potential merits and pitfalls of dual nationality, particularly as it relates to the welfare of the Indonesian diaspora and national sovereignty.
Speaking during a focus group discussion held by the House on Wednesday, House Deputy Speaker Azis Syamsuddin called for a careful, multifaceted consideration of dual citizenship, noting that it was crucial that the revision, included in the 2020-2024 National Legislation Program (Prolegnas), maintained its current “rhythm” so it could be passed into law in the near future.
A major talking point in the discussion revolved around the benefits – both material and otherwise – that Indonesia would gain once it legally acknowledges dual citizenship, and, therefore, cementing the strategic role of roughly 8 million members of the Indonesian diaspora as valid and active contributors to national development.
“Data from the World Bank shows that diaspora remittances have reached Rp 110 trillion [US$7.83 billion],” University of Indonesia law professor Satya Arinanto told the forum, which was live-streamed on the House’s YouTube channel.
“Additionally, countries that [acknowledge dual nationality] have benefited from outstanding human resources.”
Satya emphasized that dual nationality should not be misconstrued as a free pass for foreigners to obtain Indonesian citizenship. Rather, it should be viewed as an effort to ensure the wellbeing of Indonesians abroad, as well as their relatives and offspring, he said.
He added that such a major policy change required considerable political support from the government and lawmakers, since it entailed a paradigm shift in regard to the country’s rigid single-nationality system.
