Immigration finally launched the new design of the Indonesian Passport to coincide with Indonesia’s 79th Anniversary. Although Immigration announced it on Saturday, August 17, 2024, the Indonesian Passport with a red cover will only come into public access in 2025.
As reported by Antara, the new Indonesian Passport has a unique design from the previous version. The most striking thing is that the new passport design is red and white. Each page also has a fabric motif typical of the culture of the country.
According to Silmy Karim, the Director General of Immigration at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, the red and white color was chosen because it reflects the spirit of the Indonesian people’s struggle and resonates with the national identity.
According to him, the design of the Indonesian Passport can also tell the culture of Indonesia. He even studied several passports from other countries, such as Belgium, that represent the country’s unique charm.
“That is what the comic character Tintin shows. Because Belgium is known for producing comics. So on the sheets, there are Tintin rockets and characters that are very interesting. (It is also) become a citizen’s identity when going abroad,” said Silmy.
Higher passport security
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Silmy also stated that the new passport is better in terms of security than the old passport. This is because, in the security aspect, there is an increase in security in following the rules set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
ICAO Annex 9 on Facilitation Chapter 3, Subchapter C states that each country must periodically update passport security techniques and features in accordance with the latest developments.
The purpose of this is to deter attempts to counterfeit, replicate, or replace and delete data on the passport.
Thus, there is a combination of security features implemented in the new passport design, namely a cover that is resistant to heat, flexible, and able to protect the chip.
Then, the biodata part of the passport is made of polycarbonate material and is given a coating on its surface.
Also worth mention that the paper in the passport book is secured and sensitive to chemicals. The ink used is fluorescent ink and infra-red ink that will glow under ultra-violet light.
Moreover, the ink is used in the stitching thread of the passport book, which is made of three colors.
“The use of a combination of raw material security features and new printing technology is a major concern to ensure that passports can be used for crossing between countries and also provide convenience in the authentication process,” said Silmy.
Passport content design motifs that are rich in Indonesian culture
The new passport also features significant changes to its inner page design. Each page is now adorned with 33 Nusantara fabric motifs, which symbolize Indonesia’s rich culture, a design that will make every Indonesian proud and feel connected to their heritage.
In addition, the Immigration incorporated regional icons, such as traditional houses. Using these motifs aims to introduce and preserve Indonesia’s diverse cultural wealth so that the passport can also be a medium to introduce national identity.
Launch in 2025
Although launched on August 17, 2024, passports with this new design will be distributed next year or on August 17, 2025.
“The service starts on August 17 next year because this needs preparation, from the printing process, then also the distribution and preparation of the system, so please be patient,” said Silmy.
So what do you think about the new passport design of Indonesian?