If you’re a foreigner living in Bali, Indonesia, you may need to apply for an SKCK (Surat Keterangan Catatan Kepolisian), also known as a Police Clearance Certificate or Criminal Record Certificate.
This document is essential for various purposes, such as changing your citizenship, meeting visa requirements for living, walking, and travelling abroad, or applying for job opportunities.
Obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate in Bali can be a daunting task for foreigners unfamiliar with the local system.
The process may seem complicated and bureaucratic, especially if you’re not fluent in Indonesian.
In this guide, we’ll break down the step-by-step process of securing your SKCK, making it easier for you to navigate the system and ensure a smooth experience while living on this beautiful Indonesian island.
What is Police Clearance Certificate (SKCK)
A Police Clearance Certificate (also known as SKCK) is an official document confirming the absence of a criminal record during your stay in Indonesia. This document is valid for 6 months.
It is issued by the Indonesian National Police and is available to both local residents and foreigners who have held a KITAS/KITAP (Temporary Stay Permit) at any point in time.
Uses of The Police Clearance Certificate (SKCK)
Here are some of the reasons why foreigners might need a Police Clearance Certificate in Indonesia:
- It’s required for those changing their citizenship to Indonesian.
- It’s needed to obtain a visa for living, walking, and travelling abroad.
- It’s necessary when applying for jobs within Indonesia.
- It’s a prerequisite for purchasing property or real estate in Indonesia.
Required Documents
Here are the documents you need to obtain a Police Clearance Certificate (SKCK):
- A photocopy of your passport.
- A photocopy of your KITAS/KITAP. If you don’t have one, you’ll need a recommendation letter from the Bali Regional Police Headquarters (POLDA BALI) along with a photocopy of your passport that includes the Indonesian visa entry stamp.
- Fingerprint records.
- A request letter from your sponsor.
- Six 4 x 6 cm photographs with a yellow background.
Procedure
- Prepare your documents: Gather photocopies of all necessary documents and visit the Bali Regional Police Headquarters (POLDA BALI) in Denpasar.
- Record Your Fingerprints: Go to POLDA BALI’s Directorate of General Criminal Investigation (DIRESKRIMUM) identification section to have your fingerprints taken. Be sure to bring your passport and KITAS/KITAP.
Fill out a form with your personal information. The police will ask questions about your personal information. You can meet our staff at the Fingerprints Recorded Building in POLDA BALI (Bali Regional Police Headquarters) , and they will assist you.
- Obtain a Police Record Recommendation Letter: Visit the Police Clearance Certificate (SKCK) Processing Building at POLDA BALI (Bali Regional Police Headquarters) to obtain a “Police Record Recommendation Letter.” If you already have a KITAS/KITAP, you may not need this letter and can proceed directly to Indonesian National Police Headquarters (MABES POLRI) in Jakarta.
- If the recommendation letter is issued by POLDA BALI (Bali Regional Police Headquarters), you must continue the process at Indonesian National Police Headquarters (MABES POLRI) in Jakarta to obtain the Police Clearance Certificate (SKCK).
- Process Your SKCK at MABES POLRI: Go to Indonesian National Police Headquarters or MABES POLRI in Jakarta with complete documents. Fill out the Police Clearance Certificate (SKCK) application form.
- Pay the Processing Fee: After submitting your application at MABES POLRI, pay the processing fee. The Police Clearance Certificate (SKCK) is typically issued within one day.
How We Can Assists You
Obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate in Bali can be challenging for foreigners who are not familiar with the local procedures.
With the assistance of our agency, you can conveniently secure your Police Clearance Certificate from the comfort of your home.
We handle all the necessary paperwork and submit your SKCK application directly to the Indonesian National Police Headquarters in Jakarta on your behalf.
Simply send us digital copies of all required documents via WhatsApp or email.
For the fingerprint record, you can easily complete this step at home. We will provide you with the fingerprint form, which you’ll need to print out.
(Guide to filling in fingerprint forms)
- Use blue or black ink to take your fingerprints at home.
- Ensure that the fingerprints are clearly visible and all columns are completely filled.
- The ink used should neither be too light nor too thick.
Additionally, we require some personal information to complete the registration form:
- Your father personal information: father’s name, age, religion, nationality, occupation, address
- Your mother personal information: mother’s name, age, religion, nationality, occupation, address
- Your physical information (eyes, hair, nose, ear,etc.)
- Your criminal record information (if you have one)
Please send the above information to us via WhatsApp.
This streamlined process ensures that obtaining your Police Clearance Certificate is hassle-free, saving you time and effort.
Processing Time
If you use an agent, the entire process of gathering requirements and obtaining the Police Clearance Certificate (SKCK) can take approximately 5 to 10 working days.
Cost
For information about the fee of obtaining the Police Clearance Certificate (SKCK), please contact us via WhatsApp.
Location
Bali Regional Police Headquarters
Jl. WR Supratman No.7, Sumerta Kauh, Kec. Denpasar Timur,
Kota Denpasar, Bali 80236, Indonesia
Indonesian National Police Headquarters
Jl. Trunojoyo No.3 2, RT.2/RW.1, Selong, Kec. Kby. Baru,
Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12110, Indonesia
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
- What if I don't have my original KITAS or KITAP for the SKCK application?
If you no longer have your original KITAS or KITAP, you can still apply for an SKCK by providing a photocopy of your passport that includes the Indonesian visa entry stamp. Additionally, obtaining a recommendation letter from the regional police where you resided might be required.
- As a foreigner residing in Bali with an Indonesian spouse, can I use my wife as a sponsor in the sponsor request letter?
Yes, if you are married to an Indonesian citizen, your spouse can act as your sponsor. You can indeed include her name in the sponsor request letter.
- I live in Sanur and need to record my fingerprints. Which police station should I visit?
For a fingerprint record. In Bali, there is only one police station that can offer this service for foreigners, which is Bali Regional Police Headquarters (POLDA BALI) in Denpasar.
- I am a KITAS holder, can I apply for SKCK directly to the Indonesian National Police Headquarters in Jakarta?
Yes, KITAS holders are permitted to apply directly for an SKCK at the Indonesian National Police Headquarters in Jakarta, where you can also have your fingerprints recorded.
- How can I get assistance with my SKCK application?
Our agency can help you manage the entire SKCK application process from document preparation to submission at MABES POLRI in Jakarta. You can send us the digital copies of all required documents, and we can guide you through the fingerprint process at home.
- How can I obtain a sponsor request letter?
If you are employed in Indonesia, your employer can provide the sponsor letter. If you're not employed, you can draft the sponsor letter yourself. The sponsor must be an Indonesian citizen whom you trust. The letter should include both the sponsor’s and your personal information, the reason for applying for the SKCK, and the date of your first arrival in Indonesia.
