JAKARTA. The government must consider the benefits of embracing the Indonesian diaspora, but at the same time must also remain careful in handling dual citizenship issues following recent debate over the Citizenship Law, experts have said.
Indonesian Diaspora Network advocacy team Mey Hasibuan urged the government to look to neighboring ASEAN countries, such and the Philippines and Vietnam, that have acknowledged the economic potential from their diaspora network.
There needs to be openness in thinking about the essence of citizenship and nationalism, she said. Allowing dual citizenship could help increase contributions and investment from Indonesians spread across the globe.
However, international law expert with the University of Indonesia Hikmahanto Juwana cautioned the government over becoming too lenient and giving into public pressure to accommodate dual citizenship. The government must consider potential compromises to national security and tax runaways, he said. He pointed out that intelligence and success abroad may not necessarily translate in the country.
"Even if the government agrees to dual citizenship, they must be very selective," he said.
Two recent incidents catapulted debate on the Citizenship Law, the revelation that former energy and mineral resources minister Arcandra Tahar and 17-year-old national flag-hoisting (Paskibraka) member Gloria Natapradja Hamel held US and France passports, respectively.
Indonesia only acknowledges single citizenship. An Indonesian loses his or her citizenship after pledging loyalty to another country, according to the 2006 Law on citizenship. (Liza Yosephine)
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