Indonesia’s current immigration policy is built on two strong foundations: national sovereignty and control over the inflow of foreign nationals (WNA), as stipulated in Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration, which aims to protect territorial integrity and prevent potential security threats from uncontrolled migration flows.
Before the Global Indonesian Citizenship (KGI) policy was introduced to the public, Indonesia’s immigration system heavily relied on instruments such as the Limited Stay Visa (ITAS), Permanent Stay Permit (ITAP), and Limited Re-Entry Permit. All of these policy instruments are still “temporary” in nature and require periodic renewal processes.
This approach then became very “rigid” in facing global challenges and dynamics such as the increasingly high pace of international mobility. Without more flexible permanent residency options, Indonesia tends to lose high-potential foreign talents such as investors, professionals, and diaspora members who are hindered by complex bureaucracy. In addition, the issue of dual citizenship—which is strictly prohibited under Article 6 of Law No. 12 of 2006 on Citizenship—becomes a major barrier for “descendants” of Indonesian citizens born abroad. This limits their contribution to national development while also illustrating a “portrait” of our immigration policy as a defensive fortress model, which is effective in maintaining stability but less adaptive to the needs of the globalization era.
In this context, KGI then emerges as an innovative policy that is not only important but also strategic for Indonesia. This policy has the ability to respond to global demands without sacrificing the principle of sovereignty.
From a national security perspective, KGI applies a strict selective immigration approach, where applicants are evaluated based on strong family ties with Indonesia—such as descent, family relations, or history of contribution—while excluding individuals from former Indonesian territories, separatist actors, or former foreign intelligence and military personnel in order to strengthen state security control through the selection of high-risk elements and prevent potential socio-political destabilization. Economically, the benefits of KGI are no less significant; this policy is expected to encourage an increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) through service convenience, such as an integrated online application process replacing limited visas, ITAS, and ITAP. By attracting global talent with strong affiliations, Indonesia can enrich human resources in the technology, tourism, and trade sectors, which in turn can directly contribute to GDP growth and position Indonesia as a competitive destination hub in Southeast Asia.
The breakthrough of KGI lies in its innovative design as an alternative to dual citizenship, allowing foreigners to reside indefinitely without having to change their original citizenship status or violate other countries’ regulations. This policy was officially launched by Mr. Agus Andrianto as Minister of Immigration and Corrections: “KGI is a solution to address dual citizenship policy by providing broad residency rights for foreigners who have strong ties with Indonesia, without changing citizenship status and without violating other countries’ regulations.”
Unlike dual citizenship, which has the potential to create loyalty conflicts, KGI preserves Indonesia’s legal integrity while opening the door for the diaspora. As a comparative study, the success of Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) provides a valuable lesson for Indonesia. OCI, introduced in 2005, has provided lifetime residency rights for people of Indian origin without full citizenship and has attracted more than 4 million registrants by 2023, contributing directly to annual remittances of US$100 billion in India. Meanwhile, in Portugal, the Golden Visa program launched in 2012 has successfully accumulated more than €7 billion in investment and driven growth in the property and tourism sectors. These success stories are clear evidence that similar models can revitalize economies without threatening national identity, and KGI has the potential to replicate such positive impacts in Indonesia.
To ensure sustainable implementation, KGI establishes clear requirements and obligations to maintain a balance between inclusivity and accountability. The main requirements include former Indonesian citizenship status, descent up to the second degree (grandchild of an Indonesian citizen/former Indonesian citizen), spouse of an Indonesian citizen, or parties in mixed marriages between Indonesian citizens and foreigners. The registration process can be done online through evisa.imigrasi.go.id, with an “all-in-one” process that includes the replacement of limited visas, ITAS, ITAP, and unlimited re-entry permits. This policy is in line with Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration, which grants the Minister the authority to determine changes in residence permit status through Ministerial Decrees. In addition, this policy is also supported by Presidential Regulation No. 157 of 2024 on the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections, and Ministerial Regulation No. 1 of 2024 on Organization and Work Procedures of the Ministry, by integrating digital services based on efficiency.
The obligations of KGI holders include full compliance with immigration regulations, reporting of status changes, and tax contributions in accordance with applicable laws, as well as a prohibition on involvement in activities that threaten national security. The facilities and rights obtained include unlimited residence permits, free entry and exit from Indonesian territory, the right to work and do business without additional restrictions, and priority consular services. In addition, KGI holders are entitled to legal protection equivalent to permanent residents, including access to basic education and healthcare, although without full political rights such as voting. These provisions are designed to encourage positive integration while protecting national interests with strategic value for Indonesia, including promoting diaspora investment, remittances, and economic connectivity through smoother flows of capital and knowledge, as well as strengthening diaspora diplomacy as a national “soft power” to promote Indonesia’s image on the global stage through simplified services for former Indonesian citizens to facilitate repatriation and contribution while maintaining the principle of single citizenship as mandated by Law No. 12 of 2006 on Citizenship, thereby avoiding loyalty conflicts without changing original citizenship status.
The implementation of KGI is not merely an administrative reform, but a visionary step that will significantly drive Indonesia’s economic growth. By attracting global investment and talent, this policy is projected to increase FDI contribution by up to 20 percent within the next five years, as demonstrated by the OCI model in India. As reiterated by Minister Agus Andrianto: “Indonesia’s immigration will always respond to global needs and challenges. KGI is proof that our immigration policy is not static, but continuously transforming with the times.” Thus, KGI not only strengthens Indonesia’s position on the international stage but also opens a new era of inclusive prosperity for future generations.
The author is Special Staff to the Minister of Immigration and Corrections for Communication and Media.
