Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto announced a planned revision to the national citizenship law on August 14, 2026, introducing a limited dual citizenship model aimed at retaining top global talent. Speaking ahead of the country’s 81st Independence Day, Prabowo told Parliament that the measure seeks to prevent a brain drain by allowing millions of diaspora members to contribute to Southeast Asia’s largest economy without severing their ties to their homeland.
Reshaping Indonesia’s Citizenship Policy for Global Talent
Under the proposed reforms outlined by Reuters, the government will table a legal revision designed to be limited. President Prabowo emphasized that national interests will remain fully protected while opening doors for specific professions.
Economic Imperatives and the Brain Drain Challenge
The policy shift arrives against a backdrop of mounting concern over a "brain drain" as Indonesians leave the country for better opportunities abroad. Data from the Directorate-General of Immigration highlights that nearly 4,000 Indonesians became Singaporean citizens from 2019 to 2022. For a nation of 290 million people, losing this human capital carries a heavy cost.
Prior to pursuing a legislative overhaul, Jakarta attempted alternative measures. In 2025, the administration introduced permits allowing former Indonesian citizens to live and work in the country for an indefinite period.
Parliamentary Response and Athletic Integration
Legislative groundwork for welcoming back global expertise is already underway in specific sectors. Deputy House Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad noted that lawmakers have processed citizenship applications for athletes, facilitating an influx of primarily Dutch-born members of the Indonesian diaspora into the national football team.
Palace officials maintain that the proposal will be highly selective. While millions of diaspora members theoretically stand to benefit, the framework remains strictly tailored to high-value contributors whose specialized skills align with national development goals.
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