Prabowo Seeks Law Revision to Allow Dual Citizenship
Prabowo wants Indonesia to grant dual citizenship selectively.
President Prabowo Subianto, during his annual speech to the House of Representatives (DPR) in Jakarta on August 14, 2026, suggested revising Law Number 12 of 2006 on Citizenship to allow limited dual citizenship for certain talents. Prabowo argued that Indonesia possesses millions of highly skilled individuals, including scientists, doctors, engineers, AI experts, researchers, entrepreneurs, artists, and athletes, who live and work abroad.
These diaspora members may have been forced to acquire other citizenships due to career, family, or service obligations overseas. Prabowo emphasized that Indonesia should not compel its most talented citizens to choose between career opportunities abroad and their allegiance to their homeland. The proposed revisions aim to enable the grant of limited dual citizenship to individuals with exceptional talents and potential contributions to national interests.
Presently, the Citizenship Law follows a single citizenship principle, not recognizing dual citizenship except for specific cases in children born to mixed-race parents or in countries practicing jus soli. However, these children can only retain dual citizenship until a certain age when they must choose one citizenship. Prabowo stressed that the policy changes would be implemented selectively, with rigorous integrity tests and clear obligations in place.
He assured that these changes would be accompanied by robust protection of national security and interests. Prabowo delivered two speeches to Parliament that day. The first, presented at the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Annual Session, was a state address commemorating Indonesia's 81st Independence Day, focusing on the performance report of state institutions.
In his second speech, Prabowo addressed the DPR Plenary Session to present the 2027 Draft State Budget (RAPBN) and its associated financial notes.
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