Good news for those seeking Indonesian citizenship

JAKARTA: Indonesia has taken a new and important step for those seeking citizenship, introducing the Global Citizenship of Indonesia program.

According to foreign media, this program will allow former Indonesian citizens and their relatives to live and work in the country indefinitely.

Although dual citizenship is not allowed in Indonesia, the government has decided to introduce a special residency status for foreigners of Indonesian origin as an alternative to this ban.

The main objective of this initiative is to reconnect people of Indonesian origin living abroad with their homeland.

According to reports, the program will officially start on January 26, 2026, while at least five people have registered so far.

According to the Director General of Residence Permits, Edi Eku Patranto, the applications received are being reviewed to determine the eligibility of the applicants.

Eligible for the program are former Indonesian citizens, their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition, foreign spouses of Indonesian citizens and children born to Indonesian and foreign parents can also apply.

However, the government has clarified that this facility will not be provided to foreigners who are from countries that were part of Indonesia in the past or who have been involved in separatist activities.

Similarly, those who have served as civil servants, intelligence officers or military personnel in another country are also ineligible.