SIM Internasional (International Driving License)

[AhhSamboi]

Just got everything done. I think Bandung has something wrong with their printer. I’ve got 2 lines through my face. got caught off guard by the new cards having a QR instead of the tiny photo and hologram

 

[jstar]

My US license was issued in the early 90’s, and is valid until I’m 65 years old.

That’s only in states like Arizona. And even then you often need to report and renew after a certain age (I remember 70 or so.) They’re all different.

 

[ladybug]

Hello,

I recently moved to Indonesia. I would like to know what are my options for motorcycle driving lessons in English in Surabaya and driving legally in Indonesia.

I have a Polish driving license B category, which in Poland allows me to drive a scooter up to 125cc. I also have an international driving license issued in the Netherlands with an annotation I can drive a moped. I am staying here for study purposes on Visa C9. I do not have KITAS and I am not sure if I can get one with my Visa type.

From what I understood from the regulations. My polish driving license and the international driving license, will enable me to rent a scooter but my driving will not be considered legal and that will have impact on the insurance in case of troubles. So the recommended option is to get a local license?

Do you know a place where I could get a local motorcycle driving lessons in English and help with getting the driving license in Surabaya?

All tips are welcome!

 

[jstar]

Hi there.

Your visa C9 is valid for two months, right?

So normally this situation does not make you to have an Indonesian driver license, since you are not a resident in the true sense (so you’re not staying for a longer period, I forgot how many months that is, probably 6 or so). And a foreign license will do.

The problem -as you already suspected yourself- is the (engine) type of motorcycle. If you could get a Polish international driving license (the white booklet) in which it states you can drive a 125cc bike, you’re safe. The Dutch one with 50cc (?) will screw you if they study it carefully.

I know there are local temporary licenses provided by certain locations (e.g. Surabaya) but I have never seen them outside of Bali.

I can not advise anything illegal so will only tell you that officially you would have to do the theory and practice test again. As described here:

Page | SATLANTAS POLRESTABES SURABAYA

A layout example that shows off a responsive info table.

polantassurabaya.id

Obviously many people opt to buy a license via an agent or employee.

 

[jstar]

Do you know a place where I could get a local motorcycle driving lessons in English

Will check with family over there in Surabaya…but the chance is small.

 

[AhhSamboi]

Just went to SATPAS over the weekend to check about the new license that could be used in ASEAN countries without requiring an international sim. First they said they saw it in the news but no one has given them the new regulations for it or the card printing template so they can’t even print it out yet.

They told me to just wait until my license expired as to change to the new card type I would basically have to do all the renewal process and pay the fee anyway, but there would be extra requirements for when I renew.

The new sim is tied directly to your KTP number (NIK) and also requires you to have BPJS. So without having a KTP and BPJS they won’t renew any previous driving licenses. Then to get BPJS you need a KK to register from what I had been reading on their site.

So for anyone who still hasn’t gotten those, might wanna get them just for the future.

 

[jstar]

Yes, as with everything like the NPWP, they want to get rid of the proprietary serial numbering and use the NIK instead.

A new layout with more English text and pictures explaining the category etc. will make it more readable abroad. As of this month you should be able to use the Indonesian SIM in the other ASEAN countries. Which was in fact already the case in practice but often an international driving license was necessary since some countries kept their own rules anyway.

I think the KTP and BPJS necessity remark is not really correct. It’s about NIK.

Btw, even if you have KITAP and a KTP, they still will screw you when you want to do the ‘fast route’. Which -as absurd as it sounds- is organized by the Kelurahan and being advertised as legal.

So a WNI pays like 500K including the minivan trip and a lunch box, and we pay 1,3 juta.

 

[AhhSamboi]

Yes, as with everything like the NPWP, they want to get rid of the proprietary serial numbering and use the NIK instead.

A new layout with more English text and pictures explaining the category etc. will make it more readable abroad. As of this month you should be able to use the Indonesian SIM in the other ASEAN countries. Which was in fact already the case in practice but often an international driving license was necessary since some countries kept their own rules anyway.

I think the KTP and BPJS necessity remark is not really correct. It’s about NIK.

Btw, even if you have KITAP and a KTP, they still will screw you when you want to do the ‘fast route’. Which -as absurd as it sounds- is organized by the Kelurahan and being advertised as legal.

So a WNI pays like 500K including the minivan trip and a lunch box, and we pay 1,3 juta.

They had said starting next year the proof of BPJS insurance was required when we asked them and to get that you need the KTP and KK. Maybe it’s just Bandung though? Every area seems to have their own requirements and rules.

Not sure what the fast route thing is, but renewing SIM A and SIM C is like rp300k each and takes like an hour if there is no line.

Edit apparently it’s been required since 2022 but not really enforced

 

[jstar]

the fast route thing

Trips to get a new driving license. Organized by the kelurahan.

No test whatsoever.

Nasi box included.

 

[marcus]

... The new sim ... also requires you to have BPJS ... apparently it’s been required since 2022 but not really enforced ...

I guess some places started requiring BPJS after May 2024 when PerPres no.59 Year 2024 was issued (see example below) , as Indonesians now must have it . But doesn't make sense requiring it from all foreign residents .

------------------------------------

Article 6 of PerPres no.59 Year 2024 - free translation
(1) Every Indonesian citizen is obliged to participate in the Health Insurance program/BPJS Kesehatan.

-------------------------------------

https://www.detik.com/sumbagsel/berita/d-7718056/biaya-dan-syarat-bikin-sim-baru-januari-2025
Title : Cost and Requirements for Making a New Driving License in January 2025
By Dina Rayanti - detikSumbagsel

Palembang - ... attach a photocopy of e-KTP, attach a photocopy of a driving education certificate from an accredited driving school no later than 6 months from the date of issue, fingerprint biometric recording, attach proof of active BPJS Kesehatan membership ...

 

[jstar]

Foreigners who work(ed) here as well. I think it’s a 6 month period minimum.

Many locals are stopping with paying their BPJS btw, thus canceling their coverage. It’s retroactive then if you want to re-apply. That will cost you.

Obviously NIK is not a ‘KTP number’.

 

[jstar]

For those who wonder, this explains what a NIK is:

NIK (Nomor Induk Kependudukan) - Identity Number

Since there is often (a recurring) confusion about the NIK, the unique number for every citizen and registered resident and which you get when you're on ITAS/ITAP, and which you need quite often, I dug up an explanation similar to the one we used before: The NIK is a code of 16 digits. If we...

www.expatindo.org

 

[marcus]

They had said starting next year the proof of BPJS insurance ... required when we asked them and to get that you need the KTP and KK. Maybe it’s just Bandung though? Every area seems to have their own requirements and rules ...

I guess this officer was referring to requirements for Indonesians . And yes , it seems you may get different information maybe even from different officer from the same city (information from internet also shows differences) .

One example :
From https://www.batamnews.co.id/berita-...onesia-langkah-penting-sebelum-mengemudi.html

Title : Driving License Obtaining Procedures for Foreign Nationals in Indonesia, Important Steps Before Driving - free translation
By Juwita Lasmaria Sinaga , Batamnews , Batam June 2024

New SIM Application Process for Foreign Nationals (the process of extending a SIM ... is almost the same as applying for a new SIM) :

1. Required Documentation:
Photocopy of e-KTP (for Indonesian citizens) or immigration documents such as KITAS/KITAP for foreigners .
A certificate of physical and psychological health issued by a doctor.
The minimum age of the applicant depends on the type of SIM desired, for example 17 years for SIM C (motorcycle) and 18 years for SIM A (car).

2. Application Fee:
Applicants must pay the application fee according to the applicable rates, which can be done at the Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) counter available at the registration location.

3. Registration Procedure:
Foreigners must visit the SIM registration counter at the designated police station.
The information officer at the counter will provide assistance and forms that need to be filled out by the applicant.

 

[AhhSamboi]

Foreigners who work(ed) here as well. I think it’s a 6 month period minimum.

Many locals are stopping with paying their BPJS btw, thus canceling their coverage. It’s retroactive then if you want to re-apply. That will cost you.

Obviously NIK is not a ‘KTP number’.

From what I read BPJS is mandatory for anyone staying more than 6 months out of the year in Indonesia whether working or on a spouse visa. I don’t mind getting the health insurance as it covers quite a lot of stuff. Most recently it completely covered my mother in law’s hip replacement which is now titanium. The cost of the surgery without it was Rp600 juta.

Originally we were worried it wouldn’t be covered because she was lazy to go to the government doctors to get the referral letters. So we went for her to get them. Took all of one day but 5 different offices. After that the whole thing was paid.

So I think it’s worth what hassle it has

 

[Shadrach]

From what I read BPJS is mandatory for anyone staying more than 6 months out of the year in Indonesia whether working or on a spouse visa. I don’t mind getting the health insurance as it covers quite a lot of stuff. Most recently it completely covered my mother in law’s hip replacement which is now titanium. The cost of the surgery without it was Rp600 juta.

Originally we were worried it wouldn’t be covered because she was lazy to go to the government doctors to get the referral letters. So we went for her to get them. Took all of one day but 5 different offices. After that the whole thing was paid.

So I think it’s worth what hassle it has

I don't believe your story of BPJS paying 600,000RP. For your Mother's hip replacement! Tell us what Hospital she went to? I had to get some skin Cancer removed, and BPJS wouldn't pay. For a Qualified Doctor, I had to go to Wing Amerta, and they only accept Private insurance, or Cash. This Operation cost 8 juta RP. The Doctors BPJS sent me too, didn't even get out of their chair, behind the desk to look at my skin. They prescribed some ineffective cream only. I think they were the type of Doctor that didn't really qualify for their certification, But Bought it! The only reason I keep BPJS is if I ever need a room in a Hospital. I hear they are wanting to make everyone stay in the same type Hospital room. If that's so, then how are they going to make People pay? Will it be the end of the three tier system?

 

[Helpful Herbert]

Foreigners on spouse visas are not even allowed to get BPJS unless they are on the same KK as their wife, and since about 2018 it has been compulsory to have separate KKs.

 

[AhhSamboi]

I don't believe your story of BPJS paying 600,000RP. For your Mother's hip replacement! Tell us what Hospital she went to? I had to get some skin Cancer removed, and BPJS wouldn't pay. For a Qualified Doctor, I had to go to Wing Amerta, and they only accept Private insurance, or Cash. This Operation cost 8 juta RP. The Doctors BPJS sent me too, didn't even get out of their chair, behind the desk to look at my skin. They prescribed some ineffective cream only. I think they were the type of Doctor that didn't really qualify for their certification, But Bought it! The only reason I keep BPJS is if I ever need a room in a Hospital. I hear they are wanting to make everyone stay in the same type Hospital room. If that's so, then how are they going to make People pay? Will it be the end of the three tier system?

They indeed paid for her hip replacement, but then again maybe they give different treatment to citizens? The two hospitals I’ve taken her to have been Santosa hospital and Immanuel hospital in Bandung, to get the initial referral letter it was from Puskemas Kec. Lengkong.

edit confirmed with wife that it was Santosa Hospital in Bandung

Foreigners on spouse visas are not even allowed to get BPJS unless they are on the same KK as their wife, and since about 2018 it has been compulsory to have separate KKs.

My wife and I have our own KK so not quite sure what that’s about for Separate KKs as having he combined KK is part of the Kitap renewal from what imigrasi told us

 

[Shadrach]

They indeed paid for her hip replacement, but then again maybe they give different treatment to citizens? The two hospitals I’ve taken her to have been Santosa hospital and Immanuel hospital in Bandung, to get the initial referral letter it was from Puskemas Kec. Lengkong.

edit confirmed with wife that it was Santosa Hospital in Bandung

My wife and I have our own KK so not quite sure what that’s about for Separate KKs as having he combined KK is part of the Kitap renewal from what imigrasi told us

Well I guess that might be the reason they wouldn't pay for my operations! But I really hate Racism, if what you say is True! But Here in Bali , it's normal for almost everything to be more expensive for Foreigners.
For some reason Indonesian People think just because we were able to buy a ticket to come here, we must all be Rich.
It's like they think back in our home countries, we all have Money Trees. Where we can go out and just pick fresh $100 bank notes to bring here. It's so But after You've lived here awhile you see the People here are so Jealous, and Afriad of Each other Too! They live behind high Walls, and lock up all the windows, and Gates at night to keep their own neighbors Away!
It really looks like all these Prayers and Ceremonies, have done a great job of Creating a Harmonious existence between the People!

 

[Hawk256]

I don't believe your story of BPJS paying 600,000RP. For your Mother's hip replacement! Tell us what Hospital she went to? I had to get some skin Cancer removed, and BPJS wouldn't pay. For a Qualified Doctor, I had to go to Wing Amerta, and they only accept Private insurance, or Cash. This Operation cost 8 juta RP. The Doctors BPJS sent me too, didn't even get out of their chair, behind the desk to look at my skin. They prescribed some ineffective cream only. I think they were the type of Doctor that didn't really qualify for their certification, But Bought it! The only reason I keep BPJS is if I ever need a room in a Hospital. I hear they are wanting to make everyone stay in the same type Hospital room. If that's so, then how are they going to make People pay? Will it be the end of the three tier system?

BPJS has paid for my emergency heart visit, oxygen saturation visit and two colonoscopies at ~35 million each. No hassles and absolutely zero cost to me. They are ready to do another colonoscopy and want to do them once a year since the polyps they found could be cancerous. I didn't know your story with BPJS but once again you seem to be talking out of your ass.

 

[marcus]

From what I read BPJS is mandatory for anyone staying more than 6 months out of the year in Indonesia whether working or on a spouse visa ...

I think only foreigners working more than 6 months are allowed to register in BPJS health program .

From Perpres no.59 Year 2024 ABOUT HEALTH INSURANCE
Article 1
2. Participants (of BPJS Health Program) are all people, including foreigners who have worked for at least 6 months in Indonesia, who have paid Health Insurance Contributions.

--------------------------------------

From https://mpp.pekalongankota.go.id/portal/layanan/detail/Pendaftaran-Peserta-Baru-WNA
Title : New Foreign National Participant Registration Details - free translation
Service Description
The new participant registration service for foreign nationals at BPJS Kesehatan in Pekalongan City provides an efficient and structured process for foreign nationals who wish to access health services in Indonesia ...

Requirements
1. NIK KTP-el (optional)
2. Savings Account Number
3. Work/Business Permit
4. Temporary Stay Permit (ITAS)/Permanent Stay Permit (ITAP)