How to obtain an apostille in Indonesia
Indonesia has acceded to the Hague Apostille Convention, significantly simplifying the international use of Indonesian public documents. For countries that are also parties to the Convention, an apostille issued in Indonesia now replaces the traditional (and often slow) embassy legalisation process.
This article explains what an apostille is, who issues it in Indonesia, which documents are eligible, and the step-by-step process to obtain one.
What is an apostille?
An apostille is a standardised certificate issued under the Hague Apostille Convention that authenticates the signature, seal, or stamp on a public document. Once apostilled, the document is legally recognised in all other Convention countries without further embassy or consular authentication.
An apostille confirms authenticity of origin, not the accuracy or truth of the document’s contents.
Indonesia’s apostille authority
In Indonesia, apostilles are issued by the Ministry of Law and Human Rights of Indonesia (Kementerian Hukum dan Hak Asasi Manusia), through its Directorate General of Legal Administration (AHU – Administrasi Hukum Umum).
Apostilles issued in Indonesia are valid only for use in other Hague Apostille Convention countries. If the destination country is not a Convention member, traditional embassy legalisation is still required.
Documents that can be apostilled in Indonesia
Civil and personal documents
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Divorce certificates
- Death certificates
- Family cards (Kartu Keluarga)
- Police clearance certificates (SKCK)
- Court judgments and decisions
Educational documents
- Diplomas and degrees
- Academic transcripts
- School certificates
(These often require prior verification by the issuing institution or the Ministry of Education before apostille.)
Legal and commercial documents
- Powers of attorney
- Affidavits and declarations
- Company incorporation and registry documents
- Articles of association
- Notarised contracts and statements
Important:
Private documents must generally be notarised by an Indonesian notary (Notaris) before they are eligible for apostille.
Step-by-step: how to obtain an apostille in Indonesia
Step 1: Prepare the document
Ensure you have:
- The original document issued by an Indonesian authority, or
- A properly certified copy
For private documents, arrange notarisation by a licensed Indonesian notary.
Step 2: Pre-verification (if required)
Some documents must be validated before apostille, for example:
- Educational documents: verification by the issuing university or the Ministry of Education
- Company documents: confirmation through the AHU system or relevant registry
Skipping this step is a common cause of delays.
Step 3: Translation (if required)
If the document is in Bahasa Indonesia and will be used overseas:
- Many receiving authorities require an English translation (or the destination country’s official language)
- Translations are often prepared before apostille, and both the original and translation may be apostilled
Step 4: Apply for the apostille
Applications are submitted to the Ministry of Law and Human Rights (AHU). Indonesia has moved strongly toward digital processing, and apostille applications are commonly lodged through the AHU’s online apostille system, with document upload and in-person submission where required.
You will typically need:
- The document(s) to be apostilled
- Applicant identification or power of attorney (if using an agent)
- Payment of the government fee
Applicants outside Indonesia often use local agents to manage the process.
Step 5: Apostille issuance
Once approved, the Ministry issues an apostille certificate, usually attached to or electronically associated with the document. Processing times are generally much faster than embassy legalisation, though timing varies by document type.
Apostille vs embassy legalisation in Indonesia
| Situation | Correct process |
|---|---|
| Document used in a Hague Convention country | Apostille |
| Document used in a non-Convention country | Embassy / consular legalisation |
| Document used within Indonesia | No apostille required |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using an apostille for a non-Convention country
Always confirm the destination country’s Convention status. - Failure to notarise private documents
Unsigned or informal documents will be rejected. - Incorrect or unofficial translations
Even a valid apostille can be refused overseas if translations are inadequate.
Practical tips
- Indonesian apostilles do not expire, but receiving authorities (immigration, courts, banks) may impose their own validity limits.
- Keep both digital and hard copies—many institutions now verify apostilles online.
- For visa or immigration use, ask the receiving authority whether they require apostilled translations as well as apostilled originals.