Page 2548

Asian Journal of Engineering, Social and Health

Volume 3, No. 11 November 2024

Volume 3, No. 11 November 2024 - (2548-2560)

ABSTRACT

The issue of loyalty and the potential of dual citizenship policies for the Indonesian diaspora, especially

the generation of students in the 1960s, is a major concern in the context of state and diaspora relations.

This research aims to explore the dynamics of transnational identity, the challenges of a single citizenship

policy, and the potential contribution of the diaspora to national development. Using a qualitative

approach through in-depth interviews and document analysis, this research explores the perspectives of

circulation programs, and economic initiatives such as diaspora bonds. However, challenges in

implementing these policies include issues of dual loyalty and administrative complexity. The implications

of this research include recommendations to revise citizenship laws, develop an integrated diaspora

database, and create special programs for diaspora youth. This research makes an important contribution

to understanding state-diaspora relations and emphasizes the urgency of an inclusive policy approach in

the era of globalization to maximize diaspora potential for national development.

Keywords: Dual Citizenship, Indonesian Diaspora, National Development.

relations. However, over time, many of these students ended up settling in their study

Loyalty Dilemma: Challenges and Opportunities of Dual Citizenship Policy for the Indonesian Diaspora

destination countries, acquiring new citizenships, and forming significant Indonesian diaspora

communities (Pangestika, 2021). Despite having become citizens of other countries, many

members of this diaspora still have strong emotional ties to Indonesia and are eager to contribute

them to contribute more to Indonesia without having to give up their citizenship status in their

country of residence (Purnamasari et al., 2023). The Indonesian diaspora has grown into a

significant global community. According to data from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs,

the number of Indonesian diasporas is estimated to reach more than 8 million people spread

across various countries (Risman et al., 2018). Their presence reflects not only global mobility,

but also great human and economic potential for Indonesia.

the era of globalization. Many countries, including some in Southeast Asia such as the Philippines

and Thailand, have adopted policies that allow for certain forms of dual citizenship (Priambudi,

2022). This raises questions about Indonesia's position in the face of this global trend and its

security. There are concerns that granting dual citizenship could open security gaps or reduce

citizens' loyalty. However, recent studies have shown that dual citizenship can actually

strengthen transnational relations and increase a country's soft power (Ngadilah, 2007). In an

economic context, the Indonesian diaspora has the potential to be a significant source of

remittances and investment. Bank Indonesia noted that remittances from Indonesian migrant

workers reached US$ 11.44 billion in 2019 (Bappenas, 2015). The dual citizenship policy could

open up opportunities to increase the flow of funds and investment from the more economically

established diaspora.

Many members of the Indonesian diaspora experience an identity dilemma, feeling tied to two

Chris Setio Wardoyo, Adrianus Eliasta Meliala

changed the way diasporas interact with their home countries. Social media and digital platforms

enable closer and more direct engagement in Indonesian social and political issues. This adds to

the complexity of managing the relationship between the state and its diaspora, as well as

provide insights into alternative models that may be suitable for the Indonesian context.

loyalties and transnational identities among the Indonesian diaspora, particularly the 1960s

generation of students, evaluate the challenges and opportunities that may arise from the

implementation of dual citizenship policy in Indonesia, and examine the potential contribution

of the diaspora to national development in the context of the policy. This research is expected to

provide significant benefits from three main aspects. Theoretically, this research will enrich the

study of diaspora, citizenship, and public policy, as well as provide a deeper understanding of

transnational dynamics in the era of globalization. Practically, the results of this research can

serve as a basis for policy makers in formulating citizenship policies and managing the Indonesian

focusing on the experiences of the 1960s generation of students (Marshall & Rossman, 2014).

The choice of this method aligns with the aim of synthesizing diverse perspectives and providing

a thorough understanding of the topic through existing literature.

Research Design

identification, evaluation, and synthesis of relevant academic and non-academic literature on

dual citizenship and diaspora loyalty. This design ensures a focused and comprehensive

examination of the phenomenon under study.

Data Collection

Relevant data is sourced from a variety of credible materials, including:

Loyalty Dilemma: Challenges and Opportunities of Dual Citizenship Policy for the Indonesian Diaspora

Scholar.

techniques to identify additional resources from bibliographies.

Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

a. Inclusions: Peer-reviewed literature, policy documents, and archives published from 1960 to

the present, with a focus on the Indonesian diaspora and citizenship policies.

and works unrelated to the Indonesian diaspora.

Data Analysis

(Chitac, 2023). This framework aids in analyzing the interplay between diaspora identity, loyalty,

and citizenship policy.

identity, loyalty, public policy, and national development strategy. One of the main findings is

that there is a strong desire among the Indonesian diaspora to maintain ties with the homeland,

despite being citizens of other countries. This is in line with the concept of "long-distance

nationalism" proposed by Anderson (Shinta et al., 2020). where emotional ties to the country of

origin remain strong despite being physically and legally separated. Interviews with participants

Chris Setio Wardoyo, Adrianus Eliasta Meliala

revealed that many of them still have a deep sense of love for Indonesia, despite having lived

abroad for decades.

Indonesia while still enjoying rights and obligations in their country of residence. This finding is

consistent with the argument of (Siburian et al., 2014) which states that dual citizenship can be

an instrument to manage transnational loyalties in the era of globalization.

implementing a dual citizenship policy. The participants emphasized their readiness to contribute

more to Indonesia's development if granted dual citizenship status. This contribution covers

various aspects, ranging from economic investment, knowledge and technology transfer, to

improving informal diplomatic relations between Indonesia and their country of residence. This

finding is in line with the concept of "diaspora option" proposed by (Agung, 2017) which

emphasizes the potential of the diaspora as an asset for national development. In this context,

engagement policies" proposed by (Gamlen, 2014). According to Gamlen, effective policies in

managing and engaging the diaspora require a coordinated and cross-sectoral approach. In the

Indonesian context, this grand strategy could cover various aspects, including revisions to

citizenship policies, diaspora empowerment programs, incentives for investment and knowledge

transfer, and mechanisms to increase diaspora participation in national development. The

implementation of this grand strategy will require close coordination between various ministries

and agencies. For example, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can play a role in managing relations

with diaspora communities and facilitating their involvement in public diplomacy. The Ministry

of Law and Human Rights can focus on the legal aspects of citizenship policy. Meanwhile, the

Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas can integrate diaspora contributions into

Loyalty Dilemma: Challenges and Opportunities of Dual Citizenship Policy for the Indonesian Diaspora

is concerns about dual loyalty and its implications for national security. Several research

participants acknowledged the negative perception in Indonesian society of the "divided

loyalties" of dual citizenship holders. This challenge reflects what Stasiulis and Ross (2006) refer

Indonesian diaspora, several important aspects need to be considered. Recent research shows

that the number of the Indonesian diaspora has continued to increase significantly in recent

decades. According to data from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the number of

Indonesian diasporas abroad has increased steadily from year to year (Negeri, 2021). This trend

can be seen in the following graph:

Figure 1. Number of Indonesian Diaspora

2010 to 4.9 million in 2020, with projections of reaching 6.2 million by 2025. This growth

emphasizes the importance of effective policies to manage and harness the potential of the

Chris Setio Wardoyo, Adrianus Eliasta Meliala

America, reflecting migration patterns for higher education and professional employment

opportunities. This understanding is important in designing dual citizenship policies that can

various channels. A dual citizenship policy can strengthen this relationship by providing a sense

4) Potential conflicts of international law

Loyalty Dilemma: Challenges and Opportunities of Dual Citizenship Policy for the Indonesian Diaspora

diaspora communities, academia, and the private sector in designing, implementing, and

evaluating dual citizenship policies. Indonesia can learn from the experiences of other countries

that have implemented dual citizenship policies. (Rokilah, 2018) conducted a comparative study

on the implementation of dual citizenship policies in several Asian countries:

Chris Setio Wardoyo, Adrianus Eliasta Meliala

development of a grand strategy for managing the Indonesian diaspora. First, there is a need to

build a comprehensive mapping system and database on the Indonesian diaspora. According to

(Alunaza, 2017), accurate diaspora mapping is a crucial first step in developing effective diaspora

policies. The concept of "flexible citizenship" introduced by (McIntyre & Gamlen, 2019) becomes

relevant here, where the state needs to adopt a more fluid approach in defining citizenship and

diaspora engagement. Some participants proposed the establishment of an "Indonesian Diaspora

Council" that has representatives in various countries and acts as a bridge between the diaspora

community and the Indonesian government. This council could serve as an advisory body in the

formulation of diaspora-related policies and as a facilitator of diaspora engagement programs.

Third, the results show that the development of "brain circulation" programs can be an important

component in the grand strategy of diaspora management. (Murphy & Pacher, 2022) has

demonstrated how "brain circulation" can turn "brain drain" into benefits for the home country.

In the Indonesian context, several research participants who are academics and technology

working in the finance and technology sectors, expressed interest in investing in Indonesia or

facilitating technology transfer, but they faced regulatory and bureaucratic barriers. The

development of "diaspora bonds" and diaspora-specific investment programs, such as those that

have been successfully implemented by India (Betti Rosita Sari, 2020) can be part of the strategy

to optimize the economic contribution of the Indonesian diaspora.

aspects of the diaspora in the grand strategy. (Bainus & Rachman, 2022) has examined how the

second and third generations of diaspora have different identity and engagement dynamics than

the first generation. Some research participants who are second-generation Indonesian

diasporas expressed their desire to connect with their cultural roots and contribute to Indonesia,