On The Spot - Polemik Kewarganegaraan Ganda di Indonesia

Summary

The issue of dual citizenship in Indonesia has recently sparked significant debate, with both public and political figures weighing in on the topic. The controversy grew after cases involving high-profile individuals, such as Energy Minister Arcandra Tahar and national flag-raising team member Gloria Nata Praja Hamel, brought the matter to the forefront. Indonesia's law, which prohibits dual citizenship, has led to complications for these individuals. While some argue that dual citizenship could offer protection and rights for Indonesian citizens abroad, others view it as a threat to national unity. This ongoing debate has prompted discussions on potential revisions to the nation's citizenship laws.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dual nationality (kewarganegaraan ganda) has been a controversial issue in Indonesia, especially recently, with debates across media and society.
• 😀 Indonesia does not recognize dual nationality, following a system of single citizenship, as outlined in its national laws.
• 😀 The issue gained attention with the cases of Arcandra Tahar (former Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources) and Gloria Nata Praja Hamel, members of the national flag-raising team.
• 😀 Arcandra Tahar was found to have held U.S. citizenship after a naturalization process in 2012, while still retaining his Indonesian passport, sparking significant controversy.
• 😀 Despite the controversy, President Joko Widodo chose not to pursue legal action against Arcandra Tahar, leading to public debates.
• 😀 According to Indonesian law (Law No. 39/2008), a minister must be an Indonesian citizen, and the selection of Arcandra was seen as a violation of this principle.
• 😀 Gloria Nata Praja Hamel, a member of the flag-raising team, was also found to hold a valid French passport, causing an uproar during the Independence Day ceremony in 2016.
• 😀 Gloria later made a formal declaration, choosing Indonesian citizenship, as permitted by Indonesian law for children born to a foreign father and Indonesian mother.
• 😀 Law No. 12/2006 on Citizenship explicitly states that dual nationality is not recognized, with some exceptions for minors and unmarried individuals, as in Gloria's case.
• 😀 The Indonesian government has the authority to revoke citizenship if a person is found to hold dual nationality voluntarily, as outlined in the law.
• 😀 The issue of dual nationality has prompted some to argue that Indonesia should reconsider its stance, particularly to protect the rights of Indonesians working abroad and prevent unfair treatment.

Q & A

Why is the issue of dual citizenship controversial in Indonesia?

The issue of dual citizenship is controversial in Indonesia because the country adheres to a single citizenship system. According to Indonesian law, having dual citizenship is not permitted, which makes the topic a sensitive and often contentious matter.

What triggered the debate over dual citizenship recently?

The recent debate over dual citizenship was sparked by the cases of two prominent individuals: Arcandra Tahar, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, and Gloria Nata Praja Hamel, a member of the National Flag Hoisting Troops. Both were involved in controversies regarding their dual citizenship status.

What happened with Arcandra Tahar's citizenship issue?

Arcandra Tahar's case became public when it was revealed that he had obtained U.S. citizenship through naturalization in 2012 while still holding an Indonesian passport. As a result, he was dismissed from his ministerial position by President Jokowi due to the violation of Indonesian citizenship laws.

How does Indonesian law address dual citizenship?

Indonesian law, particularly the Law No. 12/2006 on Citizenship, states that Indonesian citizens lose their citizenship if they acquire another nationality voluntarily. Dual citizenship is only allowed in specific situations, such as for children under 18 or those who have not yet married.

What was Gloria Nata Praja Hamel’s situation regarding dual citizenship?

Gloria Nata Praja Hamel was found to have a valid French passport, which caused controversy when she was appointed to the National Flag Hoisting Troops. However, she later made a declaration to renounce her foreign citizenship and affirmed her status as an Indonesian citizen.

What legal rights did Gloria Nata Praja Hamel have as a dual citizen?

Gloria's situation was legally supported by Indonesian law, which allows a child born from a union between an Indonesian citizen mother and a foreign father to retain Indonesian citizenship, provided they declare it within a specified legal framework.

What are the possible consequences for Indonesians with dual citizenship?

Indonesians with dual citizenship may lose their Indonesian citizenship if they fail to renounce their foreign nationality. Failure to do so could result in penalties, including the loss of Indonesian nationality, as outlined in Law No. 12/2006.

How did the government react to the dual citizenship issues of high-profile individuals?

In response to the issues surrounding dual citizenship, the Indonesian government has used these incidents to propose a revision of the Citizenship Law. The revision aims to clarify ambiguous rules and to open more opportunities for Indonesian citizens working abroad to retain their citizenship while also obtaining foreign nationality.

What are the arguments in favor of allowing dual citizenship in Indonesia?

Proponents of dual citizenship argue that it could offer greater protection for Indonesian citizens working abroad, particularly in terms of securing their rights and better treatment as workers. It could also benefit those involved in international business or diplomacy.

Why are some people against dual citizenship in Indonesia?

Opponents of dual citizenship argue that it poses a threat to national unity and security. They believe that those who acquire foreign citizenship are prioritizing personal gain over national interests, and there is concern that dual citizenship could be exploited for criminal activities, including tax evasion.