Indonesia's offer to its diaspora draws almost no takers

Indonesia launched a scheme to draw its huge overseas diaspora closer to home, but so far almost no one has signed up. Writing for Indonesia at Melbourne, the piece reports that the Global Citizenship of Indonesia scheme, started in January 2026, had drawn just 11 applicants by mid-February. It was modelled on India's similar program, which has attracted about 4 million people.

The problem is what the scheme asks for and what it withholds. Applicants must pay a US$2,100 fee and invest US$5,000, yet they are still denied the right to own land outright, a major sticking point for people with family property in Indonesia. One applicant, an Australian of Indonesian descent named Stefanus Leo, dropped out because the rules would block him from inheriting his family's land.

Indonesia has an estimated 8 million people of Indonesian origin spread across 65 countries, and about 4.6 million keep their Indonesian citizenship. The government has tried for years to connect with them, from diaspora networks to a new directorate. But this latest effort shows that without real benefits, a "welcome home" offer can fall flat.

Why it matters

For Indonesians abroad and their families, schemes like this decide whether they can invest, own property, or feel fully recognised at home. A program that charges fees but withholds land rights gives people little reason to join. Watch whether the government softens the rules to attract its diaspora, or whether the scheme stays nearly empty.