• In recent years, the Indonesian government has increased efforts to harness the economic, political, and social potential of its diaspora.

• A recent high-profile event was the 4th annual Congress of Indonesian Diasporas that took place in Jakarta on 1 July 2017. Opened by former U.S. President Barack Obama, the event was intended to draw the Indonesian public's attention towards the contributions of Indonesian diaspora communities abroad.

• Current estimates put the number of overseas Indonesians at about 8 million people worldwide. Members of the Indonesian diaspora are lobbying for legislative amendments, including dual citizenship, parliamentary representation, property ownership rights, and constitutional recognition.

• There are plans to set up a separate governmental office for diaspora affairs. Presidential Regulation Number 76/2017 also put into law the “Diaspora Card” that will provide Indonesians abroad with special entitlements such as long-term visas and property ownership rights.

• The Indonesian government needs to take the potential of its diaspora seriously in order to capitalize on their enormous capital and skills contribution.