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Jakarta: Authorities are considering implementing dual nationality to draw in skilled professionals and advance the nation's goal of achieving developed status by 2045. This initiative represents a calculated approach to leveraging international expertise and fostering economic advancement.
"The adoption of dual citizenship will mark the start of beneficial change for Indonesia. It will not only position Indonesia as an appealing location for global professionals, but also enable overseas Indonesians to preserve their cultural connections and contribute meaningfully to national progress," stated Civigrant Interest CEO Veronica Cotdemiey in a press release dated Thursday, May 9, 2024.
Indonesia, as Southeast Asia's primary economic power, has experienced significant outflow of skilled personnel who have relocated and established themselves internationally. This stems from citizenship regulations that have prohibited dual nationality for Indonesian citizens since 2006.
Consequently, numerous Indonesian professionals, particularly in technical and academic fields, have relinquished their Indonesian citizenship to pursue enhanced career prospects overseas. Immigration records indicate that approximately 4,000 Indonesians changed their nationality to Singaporean between 2019 and 2022.
Civigrant Interest operates from Dubai and focuses on facilitating citizenship and residency opportunities for affluent individuals worldwide through investment programs.
Beneficial outcomes
The loss of skilled professionals is particularly regrettable given Indonesia's status as an emerging nation with substantial development potential. According to World Bank projections, Indonesia's economic growth could accelerate significantly with more effective talent retention and attraction strategies.
Numerous countries have experienced the advantages of dual citizenship. India provides a notable example with its Overseas Citizenship program, enabling diaspora communities to contribute to national development through financial investments, charitable initiatives, and knowledge sharing while maintaining their acquired citizenship.
"Dual citizenship could represent a significant innovation for Indonesia, particularly in leveraging its international connections and specialized knowledge. This approach provides a more comprehensive framework for national advancement that incorporates and utilizes diverse community capabilities from both domestic and international sources," Cotdemiey explained.
The economic benefits of dual citizenship extend beyond individual advantages. Permitting dual nationality could enhance Indonesia's appeal as a global investment hub. Indonesian communities abroad could increase foreign direct investment, particularly as they would prefer to channel resources into their homeland.
"Dual citizenship enables Indonesian expatriates to preserve their heritage and bridge Indonesia with international markets. The financial contributions and specialized knowledge from diaspora communities will be crucial in developing a robust and rapidly expanding economic environment for Indonesia," he concluded.
