Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto told Parliament on August 14, 2026 that the government recommends allowing limited dual citizenship for Indonesians abroad with expertise in fields such as science, medicine, engineering, artificial intelligence, research, entrepreneurship, the arts, and sports, according to Indonesia Business Post. The proposal, aimed at diaspora members who gave up Indonesian citizenship to pursue international careers, would be selective rather than a blanket policy — applicants would face integrity and security screening, with rights and obligations clearly defined. Law and Human Rights Minister Supratman Andi Agtas confirmed on July 23 that the idea is being considered as part of revisions to Indonesia’s Citizenship Law.
Separately, Indonesian immigration authorities have taken a tougher stance on foreign residents in Bali. The government has established the Dharma Dewata Task Force to patrol areas with large foreign populations and curb misuse of tourist or other visas for employment or commercial activity, according to Felucia Sengky Ratna, head of the Bali Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration.
Between January and June 2026, Indonesian immigration authorities deported 342 foreign nationals from 60 countries for violations including overstaying visas, misusing residence permits, and disrupting public order, the outlet reports, with enforcement said to be focused on permit misuse rather than any specific profession.
Janet Deneefe, an Australian business owner who has lived in Bali for 42 years, told the outlet she supports action against genuine visa misuse but that enforcement “needs to distinguish between genuine exploitation and genuine enthusiasm,” calling that a harder line to draw than it sounds — a distinction the report frames as the central challenge facing long-term foreign residents as scrutiny increases.
