President Prabowo Subianto’s speech at the People’s Consultative Assembly Annual Session on 14 August 2026, encouraging discussion of a limited dual‑citizenship policy, has sparked wide reactions.
The President argued that such a policy could help attract accomplished members of Indonesia’s diaspora back home.
However, the House of Representatives stressed that the idea of dual citizenship for national interests must be studied carefully and comprehensively.
A thorough review is needed to ensure the policy has clear boundaries and measurable parameters aligned with national interests.
This was conveyed by Yanuar Arif Wibowo, a member of the House of Representatives at Commission XIII, which oversees regulatory reform and human rights.
“If there is indeed a proposal for dual citizenship in the name of national interest, we must examine it objectively,” Yanuar said on Monday (17/8). “There may be a need to provide space for certain individuals who can make strategic contributions to Indonesia. But the key question is: what exactly constitutes national interest, and who qualifies? This must be clearly and precisely defined.” he explained.
Principle of Single Loyalty
Yanuar added that other aspects must also be considered, including potential conflicts of loyalty, national security, eligibility for public office, political rights, taxation, and obligations to the state. In his view, citizenship policy cannot be assessed solely from the perspective of economic benefit or as a strategy to attract global talent.
“Citizenship status is not merely an administrative matter. It embodies a legal relationship between the individual and the state, encompassing rights, obligations, and loyalty. Therefore, any policy change must take all these dimensions into account,” Yanuar continued.
On the opposition side, Hasto Kristianto of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle/PDI‑P emphasized that since its independence day, Indonesia has upheld the principle of single loyalty and does not recognize dual citizenship.
Hasto added that PDI‑P’s stance on the issue will remain consistent with historical context and existing law.
“Our position is rooted in history and legislation: Indonesia does not recognize dual citizenship,” Hasto told reporters on Monday, August 17, 2026.
He acknowledged that the proposed revision of citizenship rules aims to accommodate children born of marriages between Indonesians and foreigners. Even so, he noted that current law already provides these children with time to decide their citizenship once they reach adulthood.
“We grant the right of sovereignty to children of mixed marriages to choose their citizenship when they turn 18,” Hasto said.
Sources: Koran-Jakarta, JPNN
