Editorial
Citizenship is not a favor the state dispenses to useful people. It should be a recognition of a bond that does not expire when it becomes inconvenient.
Illustration of Indonesian passport (Shutterstock/Rizvisual)
After decades of promises and false starts, Indonesia has finally moved to allow limited dual citizenship for the first time since independence.The proposal, now tabled before the House of Representatives as a revision to the 2006 Citizenship Law, would grant dual nationality to Indonesian diaspora members whose expertise is deemed important to national development.
Scientists, medical specialists and athletes; the list is narrow by design. Nominations must come from a ministry or state institution. Law Minister Supratman Andi Atgas said it plainly: "It is only granted when the state needs someone. Not just anyone can be nominated."
