Jakarta – The Indonesian government is drafting a new Citizenship Bill aimed at addressing issues faced by dual-nationality children and the Indonesian diaspora abroad, according to Vice Minister of Law Eddy O. S. Hiariej.
He explained that while Indonesia generally follows a single citizenship system, it allows limited dual citizenship for children born to mixed-national parents or in countries following the ius soli principle. Currently, these children must choose their citizenship between the ages of 18 and 21.
The new bill proposes extending this deadline to age 26 and allows those who miss the deadline to regain Indonesian citizenship without going through naturalization.
The bill also introduces a selective form of dual citizenship for foreigners who have made exceptional contributions or are considered strategically important to the country, particularly in areas such as science and technology, investment, culture, and sports, with strict requirements and careful verification to ensure it serves national interests without burdening state finances.
The bill also places a strong emphasis on the Indonesian diaspora, which is defined as former Indonesian citizens and their descendants up to the third degree.
Acknowledging their historical, cultural, and emotional ties to the country, Article 60 of the bill is specifically dedicated to empowering the diaspora and strengthening their connection to their homeland. The Citizenship Bill has been included in the 2026 legislative priority list and has undergone inter-ministerial drafting since August 2025 to January 2026, and is currently in the harmonization stage.
