If you intend to drive in Indonesia with a foreign driver’s licence, keep in mind that it may not be accepted as a valid form of identification. To drive legally in the country, you must obtain an international driving licence (IDL).
This document is recognised in over 150 countries worldwide as an official translation of your driver’s licence into multiple languages, including Bahasa Indonesia. This article will walk you through the process of obtaining an international driving licence in Indonesia.
The Background
The Ministry of Transportation in Indonesia is in charge of the International Driving Licence (IDL). The IDL exists to ensure the safety of both domestic and foreign drivers on Indonesian roads. The IDL is an official translation of a driver’s licence into multiple languages, including Bahasa Indonesia, that allows authorities to more easily verify the validity of a driver’s licence and the driver’s driving skills.
In Indonesia, the issuance of an IDL is in accordance with the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, to which Indonesia is a signatory. The convention permits the recognition of foreign driver’s licences as well as the issuance of IDLs that are valid for one year from the date of issuance.
Rules to Obtain an IDL in Indonesia
The rules for obtaining an international driving licence in Indonesia are outlined in Chief of Police Regulation Number 9 of 2012, Article 7, which states:
- Administrative requirements for applying for a new driver’s licence for driving an individual vehicle, as referred to in Article 26 letter [a], include filling out the driving licence application form and a local native identity card that is still valid for foreign citizens.
- Immigration documents, as defined in paragraph (1) letter [b], take the following forms:
- Passport and Permanent Stay Permit Card (KITAP) for those residing in Indonesia permanently;
- Passports, diplomatic visas, diplomatic membership cards, and other forms of identification for embassy personnel and their families;
- Passport and service visa or Temporary Stay Permit Card (KITAS) for those working as experts or studying in Indonesia;
- Passport and visit or stopover permit card for those who are not Indonesian citizens.
Requirements for IDL Application
The following are the requirements for creating an IDL:
- In a recent photograph with two visible shirt buttons, and a white background, the shirt and/or hijab cannot be white, you cannot wear glasses, face the camera, use contact lenses, or wear a burka.
- A black-and-white photo
- An ID card
- Your KITAS or KITAP if you are a foreigner
- A valid passport
- A valid driver’s licence in the category of international driver’s licence will be submitted.
- Signature on white paper, using black ink
- A valid international driver’s licence for extensions
Application Methods
To apply for your international driving licence, you can do so in two ways: online or offline. For online applications, you can visit Korlantas POLRI’s IDL application site and submit the requirements above.
You can also go directly to the Korlantas POLRI office in Jl. Letjen M.T. Haryono No. 37–38, RT.6/RW.2, Cikoko, Pancoran, South Jakarta to get your international driver’s licence while bringing the physical requirements above as well.
The service opens on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a 60-minute break from 12 to 1 p.m. on Monday to Thursday and a 90-minute break from 11.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday in order to perform Friday prayers. The service is unavailable to the public on weekends and public holidays.
Fees and IDL’s Period of Validity
The fee for a new international driving licence is Rp 250,000, according to Government Regulation (PP) No. 60 in 2016 on the types and rates of non-taxable state revenue applicable to the National Police. Meanwhile, extending this driver’s licence will cost Rp 225,000.
For your information, the international driving licence is valid for three years.
Looking for other business-related things during your time in Indonesia? Check out these articles below:
- President Jokowi Grants up to 95 Years of Business Rights to Investors in Jakarta
- How to Become a Digital Nomad in Bali
