indonesian immigration tightens security procedures for foreigners

The Indonesian Immigration Department is all set to tighten and enforce stricter rules on the foreigners which would require them to produce their original credentials including identification documents when required. As of now this requirement is set for the Muslim's holy month of Ramadhan from 6th June to 05 July 2016. This action is based on the Article 71 section b of Immigration Law no. 6 of 2011.

Article 71
Each foreigner residing in the Territory of Indonesia shall:
provide all necessary information regarding the identity and / or their families, and report any changes in civil status, nationality, occupation, Guarantor, or a change of address to the local Immigration Office; or

show (produce) and submit (hand over) travel document (Passport) and Stay Permit (KITAS/KITAP) if requested by immigration officers on duty in order to supervise Immigration control.

So if a foreigner fails to produce or provide those documents upon demand or fails to follow it then Article 116 will take effect immediately.

Article 116
Each foreigner who does not perform their obligations as stipulated in Article 71 is punishable with a maximum confinement of 3 (three) months or a fine of up to RP 25,000,000, 00 (twenty five million rupiah).

Previously, it was sufficient to only bring a photocopy of the KITAS/KITAP and a valid form of identification (passport, Kartu Tanda Penduduk (Indonesian ID Card), Indonesian Driving License). However, this is no longer acceptable and originals should be carried at all times.

Considering that we strongly advice our foreigners to carry their original Kitas/Kitap and valid identification documents e.g. (passport, Kartu Tanda Penduduk (Indonesian ID Card), Indonesian Driving License) at all times to avoid any issues.