JAKARTA - President Prabowo Subianto has proposed limited dual citizenship for selected Indonesian diaspora talent, a change that would require an amendment to the country’s citizenship law.

Prabowo presented the proposal on Aug. 14 while delivering the government’s 2027 draft state budget and financial note to the House of Representatives. The State Secretariat said the plan would open dual nationality on a limited basis to Indonesian diaspora talent with exceptional abilities who could make major contributions to national interests.

“We will design this policy selectively and in a measured way, with integrity tests, clear obligations, and full protection of state security and interests,” Prabowo said.

The government had been preparing the legal change before Prabowo’s speech. Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas said on July 23 that a draft revision of the Citizenship Law had been sent to the president so a presidential letter could be issued for deliberation with the DPR.

He said eligibility would be limited to people whose expertise the state needs and candidates would have to be proposed by a ministry or government agency.

Indonesia’s 2006 Citizenship Law generally follows a single-citizenship principle for adults, while allowing limited dual nationality for specified children. The proposed talent-based scheme therefore cannot take effect through an administrative announcement alone and remains subject to the legislative process.

Lawmakers have voiced support while calling for strict limits. Commission XIII member Umbu Kabunang Rudi Yanto Hugua said on Aug. 16 that the policy should use strict, measurable selection and involve the government, parliament and relevant institutions, with national-security considerations built into the process.

Commission X member Abdul Fikri Faqih separately backed limiting the policy to Indonesian talent overseas.

The proposal would go further than the Global Citizen of Indonesia program inaugurated by immigration authorities in January.

GCI gives eligible foreign nationals with strong ties to Indonesia, including former Indonesian citizens and some descendants, an indefinite permanent stay permit without changing their original nationality; it does not grant Indonesian citizenship.

The final eligibility rules, rights, obligations and screening standards will depend on the legislation eventually agreed by the government and parliament.

Prabowo argued that the change would allow highly skilled members of the diaspora to retain their connection to Indonesia while pursuing opportunities overseas.

“We must not force Indonesia’s best talent to choose between opportunities to work in the world and their ties to the homeland,” Prabowo said.