🅿️ Getting a police clearance (SKCK) in Indonesia might seem simple—but if you’re planning to use it abroad, it’s not always that straightforward 🧾 Many people don’t realize there are actually two different types of SKCKs in Indonesia, and only one of them can be apostilled and submitted for overseas use.
🅰️ Every year, Indonesians applying for jobs, visas, or residency overseas get rejected because they used the wrong SKCK type 😫 They waste weeks preparing a domestic-use SKCK, only to find out later it cannot be apostilled for foreign embassy requirements. This leads to reapplications, new fees, and missed deadlines.
🆂 The good news? There’s a special SKCK made for international use 🌏 This version includes the country it’s meant for and the purpose of submission—like “for immigration to Australia” or “for job application in Japan.” Only this type is eligible for apostille and accepted abroad.
🆃 “I almost submitted the wrong SKCK to the Canadian embassy,” says Yuli, an Indonesian nurse working in Bali. “Thankfully, the translation office warned me—and I reapplied with the right type. I got my apostille just in time!” ✅
🅴 For example, if you’re applying for a spousal visa to Germany, your SKCK must state it’s for Germany, and that it’s intended for immigration purposes. Otherwise, even if apostilled, it may still be rejected by the embassy 🛂
🅰️ Want to make sure your SKCK is accepted overseas? ✍️ Keep reading for a full guide on choosing the correct SKCK, getting it translated, and apostilled for international use.
Table of Contents
- Why Domestic SKCKs Cannot Be Apostilled for Overseas Use ❌
- The Difference Between Domestic and International SKCK 📄
- How to Request an SKCK for Visa or Embassy Submission 🌍
- What Information Must Be Written on an SKCK for Apostille Approval ✍️
- Where to Get Your SKCK Apostilled in Indonesia 📍
- Common Mistakes When Submitting SKCK Abroad 🚩
- How to Translate and Legalize Your SKCK for Foreign Use 🖋️
- FAQs About Apostille and SKCK for International Submission ❓
Why Domestic SKCKs Cannot Be Apostilled for Overseas Use ❌
Many Indonesians think all SKCKs (police clearance letters) can be apostilled for overseas use—but that’s not true ⚠️
SKCKs issued for domestic use are not valid for apostille. Why? Because apostille is only applicable for documents intended for international submission 🌐
Domestic SKCKs lack information about the destination country and purpose, and most importantly, they are signed by local police chiefs whose names are not registered with the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemenlu).
That’s why Kemenlu will automatically reject any SKCK meant for local use. Choosing the right SKCK from the start is key to getting your document accepted abroad.
The Difference Between Domestic and International SKCK 📄
A domestic SKCK is used only within Indonesia—for job applications, license renewals, or government paperwork 📋
It doesn’t mention a destination country or reason for international use. An international SKCK, on the other hand, is specially issued for overseas submission. It clearly states:
The destination country
The purpose of submission (e.g., immigration, marriage, visa) This version is signed by police officials registered with Kemenlu, making it eligible for apostille ✅
How to Request an SKCK for Visa or Embassy Submission 🌍
Go to the police station where you are registered and tell the officer you need an SKCK for international use ✉️
Clearly state the destination country and the purpose (e.g., for spouse visa to Australia, job in Japan). The police will then print this information directly onto your SKCK.
Without it, your SKCK will be considered domestic use only and cannot be apostilled, even if the content is the same. This step is essential to avoid rejection at the legalization stage.
What Information Must Be Written on an SKCK for Apostille Approval ✍️
To be eligible for apostille, your SKCK must:
Mention the destination country
Mention the intended use (visa, immigration, etc.)
Be signed by a police officer registered with Kemenlu
Have the correct format and stamp
If your SKCK is missing any of these, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will not process your apostille.
Confirm with the police station that your request is for overseas submission and double-check all details before proceeding to translation or legalization 🗃️
Where to Get Your SKCK Apostilled in Indonesia 📍
Once you have the correct international SKCK, follow these steps:
Legalize it at a notary or Kemenkumham (Ministry of Law and Human Rights)
Submit it to Kemenlu for apostille 🖊️
You may need:
Your original SKCK
A copy of your passport or KTP
A sworn translation if required by the destination country
Processing time varies by location—expect around 3–10 working days. Agencies in Jakarta and Bali can help handle this if needed.
Common Mistakes When Submitting SKCK Abroad 🚩
❌ Submitting a domestic SKCK for overseas use ❌ Missing country name or purpose on the SKCK ❌ Not using a sworn translator when translation is required ❌ SKCK signed by an unregistered officer (not in Kemenlu database)
Many applicants get delayed or rejected due to these avoidable mistakes. Double-check your SKCK type and make sure it’s correctly issued for international purposes before translating or legalizing it 📣
How to Translate and Legalize Your SKCK for Foreign Use 🖋️
If your SKCK is written in Bahasa Indonesia and you’re submitting it to a country that requires documents in English or another language, you will need a sworn translation 📖
Steps:
Take your SKCK to a certified sworn translator (penerjemah tersumpah)
Have the document translated into the required language
Use the translated version for the apostille process
Make sure the translator includes all names, stamps, and format in the translation. Incomplete or informal translations will be rejected by embassies and apostille offices ⛔️
FAQs About Apostille and SKCK for International Submission ❓
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Why can’t domestic SKCKs be apostilled?
Because the police chief who signs domestic SKCKs is not registered with Kemenlu.
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What’s the difference between domestic and international SKCK?
International SKCKs list the country and purpose for foreign use and are signed by registered officials.
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Can I apostille a domestic SKCK if I translate it?
No. Translation doesn’t change the type of SKCK. You must apply for an international SKCK.
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How long does apostille take?
About 3–10 working days after proper documents are submitted.
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Is sworn translation always needed?
Yes, if your destination country doesn’t accept Bahasa Indonesia documents.
