Beginning 1 June 2025, Indonesian driving licences will be recognised and valid across all ASEAN countries. This significant development means that holders of Indonesian driving licences will no longer need to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in several Southeast Asian nations.
“Starting 1 June 2025, Indonesian driver’s licences will be valid in every ASEAN country. Indonesian driver’s licence holders no longer need to use an international driver’s licence when visiting many countries in Southeast Asia,” according to a statement shared by the official Twitter (X) account of TMC Polda Metro Jaya, @TMCPoldaMetro.
The countries where Indonesian licences will now be recognised include the Philippines, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, Brunei, Singapore, and Malaysia.
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This change follows the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA), which aims to facilitate the mobility of citizens across the region.
The implementation of this policy not only strengthens ASEAN economic integration but also encourages knowledge exchange, increases regional competitiveness, and opens up more job opportunities for professionals. Thus, the ASEAN MRA is a strategic step in realising the vision of an integrated and inclusive ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).
Specific National Policies Still Apply
Despite this progressive step, some ASEAN member states continue to enforce their own policies regarding foreign driving licences.
In Singapore, for instance, domestic driving licences are valid for up to 12 months after arrival. “If you want to continue driving in Singapore, you must have a local Singapore driver’s licence.”
Malaysia has implemented similar regulations. Since 2018, holders of foreign licences, including Indonesian ones, must also carry a valid International Driving Permit to drive legally.
“People with foreign driver’s licences, including Indonesian driver’s licences, who wish to drive in Malaysia must have a valid International Driver’s Licence and Indonesian driver’s licence,” notes a circular from the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
For Indonesian citizens without an International Driving Permit, they may apply for a Malaysian licence at a local driving institute.
Meanwhile, Brigadier General Yusri Yunus, Director of Registration and Identification (Dirregident) of Korlantas Polri, highlighted another recent development. He stated that the use of the Population Identification Number (NIK) as a driving licence number reflects Indonesia’s move towards a more integrated legal and administrative system.
“The use of the Population Identification Number (NIK) as a SIM number marks progress in the integration of vehicle legality documents with other state documents such as NPWP, BPJS and KTP,” he said.
International Driving Permits Still Useful Beyond ASEAN
While ASEAN countries are relaxing requirements, the International Driving Permit remains essential for travel beyond the region. As of April 2025, the application process for an Indonesian international driving licence can now be completed online via siminternational.korlantas.polri.go.id.
The permit is recognised in 92 countries and ensures that Indonesian citizens can legally operate vehicles abroad.
The cost of obtaining an international permit is governed by Government Regulation No. 60/2016 concerning Non-Tax State Revenue. The fee for a new International SIM is IDR 250,000, while the renewal costs IDR 225,000.
“Driving abroad is not an easy task as drivers must have important documents such as an International Driver’s Licence. With this, they can legally use a car or motorcycle,” a statement reads.
