Can Indonesians Have Two Passports? 2026 Dual Citizenship Update

Can Indonesians Now Have Two Passports? The 2026 Dual Citizenship Proposal Explained

Indonesia has taken a major step toward allowing dual citizenship. On 14 August 2026, President Prabowo Subianto proposed introducing limited dual citizenship for selected Indonesian talents.

But does this mean Indonesians can now legally hold two passports?

The short answer is no, not yet.

The announcement is a proposal to change Indonesia’s citizenship law. Until that legal process is completed, most Indonesian adults still cannot obtain another nationality while keeping their Indonesian citizenship.

Here is what has been announced, who might qualify and what Indonesians living abroad should know.

What Did President Prabowo Announce?

President Prabowo proposed allowing limited dual citizenship for Indonesian talents who possess exceptional skills and could make an important contribution to the country.

According to the official announcement, the government intends to submit amendments to Indonesia’s citizenship law to the House of Representatives, or DPR.

The planned system would be:

• Limited to selected individuals

• Based on exceptional talent or national importance

• Subject to integrity screening

• Accompanied by specific obligations

• Designed to protect national security

This is therefore not a proposal to give every Indonesian an automatic right to two passports.

It appears primarily intended to reconnect Indonesia with highly skilled members of its diaspora. Some Indonesians living overseas acquire foreign citizenship for professional, family or practical reasons. Under the current law, doing so can cause them to lose their Indonesian citizenship.

The government has not yet released the complete eligibility criteria, application procedure, fees or launch date. Official announcement from Indonesia’s State Secretariat

Can Indonesians Have Two Passports Right Now?

For most Indonesian adults, the answer remains no.

Indonesia currently follows the principle of single citizenship. Under Law No. 12 of 2006, an Indonesian citizen can lose Indonesian citizenship after voluntarily obtaining another nationality.

A passport is not simply a travel document. It normally represents citizenship, with its own rights and legal responsibilities. Holding an Indonesian passport and a foreign passport generally means holding two nationalities.

President Prabowo’s announcement does not immediately replace the existing law. The proposed amendment must first be prepared, debated and approved. The government will then need to publish detailed implementing regulations.

Until those steps are completed, Indonesians should not apply for another nationality based only on headlines claiming that dual citizenship is already legal.

Who Can Already Hold Dual Citizenship?

Indonesia currently recognises limited dual citizenship for certain children, especially those born to parents of different nationalities.

An eligible child may temporarily hold both Indonesian and foreign citizenship. The child can also receive an Indonesian passport after their dual-citizenship status has been properly registered.

However, this arrangement is not permanent. The child must choose one citizenship after reaching 18 years of age or getting married. The decision must generally be declared before turning 21.

Parents should register their child’s limited dual-citizenship status before the child reaches 18. Eligible children travelling with foreign passports may also obtain an affidavit providing immigration facilities in Indonesia.

The Directorate General of Immigration confirms that an Indonesian passport issued under this arrangement cannot remain valid beyond the deadline for choosing citizenship. Indonesian Immigration guidance

Who Might Qualify Under the New Policy?

The government has not announced a final list of qualifying professions or achievements.

Based on the president’s statement, potential candidates may include:

• Scientists and researchers

• Technology specialists

• Medical professionals

• Engineers

• Academics

• Entrepreneurs and investors

• Internationally recognised artists or athletes

• Professionals working in strategic industries

However, having one of these professions may not be enough. Applicants could be required to prove exceptional achievements, pass an integrity assessment and demonstrate how their expertise would benefit Indonesia.

The final law will determine exactly who qualifies.

Is This the Same as Global Citizenship of Indonesia?

No. Global Citizenship of Indonesia, or GCI, is not dual citizenship.

Indonesia officially launched GCI in January 2026. It provides indefinite permanent residence to certain foreigners with Indonesian blood, family, historical or other strong connections.

Potential beneficiaries include former Indonesian citizens and foreign descendants of Indonesians.

A GCI holder keeps their foreign nationality and receives the right to reside permanently in Indonesia. However, the holder does not automatically become an Indonesian citizen or receive an Indonesian passport.

The difference is simple:

GCI provides permanent residence. Dual citizenship would provide legal citizenship in two countries.

GCI currently offers an alternative for members of the Indonesian diaspora who want a permanent connection to Indonesia without changing their foreign nationality. Official Indonesian Immigration explanation of GCI

Why Is Indonesia Considering Dual Citizenship?

Millions of people with Indonesian connections live overseas. Some eventually obtain foreign citizenship because it improves their access to employment, education, family reunification or international mobility.

Indonesia may then lose skilled professionals, entrepreneurs and researchers who could contribute knowledge, investment and global networks to the country.

Limited dual citizenship could help Indonesia maintain relationships with these people without forcing them to choose between their careers abroad and their connection to Indonesia.

However, dual citizenship also creates questions involving taxation, political rights, public office, land ownership, military obligations and national security. This is why the programme is expected to remain selective.

What Should Indonesians Do Now?

If you are considering foreign citizenship, do not assume the new policy already protects your Indonesian status.

First, verify the consequences under the law currently in force. You should then monitor three important developments:

1. Submission of the legal amendment to the DPR

2. Approval and enactment of the revised law

3. Publication of eligibility and application rules

Only after these stages will the public know who can legally hold both citizenships and obtain two passports.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can Indonesians legally have two passports in 2026?

Not yet. President Prabowo has proposed limited dual citizenship, but Indonesia’s existing citizenship law must still be amended before eligible adults can legally hold two nationalities.

2. Who may qualify for Indonesia’s dual citizenship policy?

The proposal targets selected Indonesian talents who possess exceptional skills and can make an important contribution to the country. The final eligibility requirements have not been announced.

3. Will dual citizenship be available to every Indonesian?

Probably not. The government has described the proposed policy as limited, selective and subject to integrity screening and specific obligations.

4. Is Global Citizenship of Indonesia the same as dual citizenship?

No. GCI provides indefinite permanent residence to eligible foreigners with Indonesian connections. It does not provide Indonesian citizenship or an Indonesian passport.

5. Can children in Indonesia currently have dual citizenship?

Certain children from mixed-nationality families can hold limited dual citizenship temporarily. They must generally choose one citizenship between the ages of 18 and 21.

The Final Answer

Indonesia is moving toward limited dual citizenship, but Indonesians cannot generally hold two passports yet.

The proposal could create an important opportunity for selected members of the Indonesian diaspora. Nevertheless, it is not an open second-passport programme, and the final eligibility conditions remain unknown.

If you are an Indonesian living abroad, a former Indonesian citizen or part of a mixed-nationality family, The Vortex can help you understand your current status and identify the most suitable legal pathway. Complete our relocation assessment to receive personalised guidance.