The Jakarta Globe May 17, 2024 | 10:04 pm
Jakarta. The Indonesian government is making headlines. It is considering dual citizenship. The goal is to attract skilled workers. It also aims to support Indonesia’s plan to become a developed country by 2045. The policy is seen as a way to bring in global talent. It can also help drive economic innovation.
Veronica Cotdemiey is CEO of Citizenship Invest. The Dubai-based firm specializes in citizenship and residency by investment for high-net-worth individuals worldwide. She praised the initiative.
“The introduction of dual citizenship represents a transformative shift for Indonesia. It not only makes the country more attractive to international talent but also allows Indonesians abroad to maintain ties and contribute to their homeland without sacrificing their global mobility,” Cotdemiey was quoted as saying in a recent press statement.
Indonesia is the largest economy in Southeast Asia. It has faced a major brain drain. Restrictive citizenship laws are a key reason. The current statute was enacted in 2006. It does not allow dual citizenship for Indonesian nationals.
As a result, many skilled professionals and academics have given up Indonesian citizenship. They did so to pursue better opportunities abroad.
According to the Directorate General of Immigration, nearly 4,000 Indonesians acquired Singaporean citizenship between 2019 and 2022 alone. That reflects a wider move toward more developed economies.
This loss of talent matters. Indonesia is an emerging market with strong growth potential. The World Bank says Indonesia’s GDP growth could rise faster if it retains and attracts global talent.
Dual citizenship could help Indonesia tap its vast diaspora. That includes professionals in high-demand sectors such as:
These professionals can support economic development. They can also support technological progress.
Other nations show the benefits of dual citizenship. India is one example. It has implemented Overseas Citizenship. That lets the diaspora contribute to their country of origin through:
They can do this without giving up their new citizenship. Such policies can strengthen economic ties. They can also support bilateral relations.
The dual citizenship debate gained attention in Indonesia in 2016. That year, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo dismissed Arcandra Tahar. He was energy and mining minister. The reason was his dual Indonesian and US citizenship. The incident sparked a nationwide discussion. Many called for citizenship laws that better match global realities.
“Dual citizenship could be a game-changer for Indonesia, allowing the country to leverage global Indonesian networks and expertise,” Cotdemiey added.
“It provides a framework for a more inclusive national development strategy that recognizes and utilizes the diverse capabilities of its people, both at home and abroad,” Cotdemiey said.
The economic impact goes beyond individuals. Dual citizenship can make Indonesia more attractive as an investment destination. It could raise foreign direct investment from the Indonesian diaspora. Diaspora investors are often more willing to invest at home if they can keep legal ties.
“Enabling dual citizenship would not only allow Indonesian expatriates to maintain their roots but also empower them to act as bridges between Indonesia and the global market,” Cotdemiey added.
“Their investments and expertise could be pivotal in shaping a resilient and thriving economic landscape for Indonesia,” Cotdemiey said.
Citizenship Invest is an advisory firm. It specializes in Citizenship by Investment (CBI) and Residency by Investment (RBI) solutions. It has more than 16 years of expertise. The firm has helped more than 20,000 clients from 85 countries. It guides them through the complexities of CBI and RBI programs.
