Navigating the intricacies of acquiring a Criminal Record Certificate, commonly known as SKCK (Surat Keterangan Catatan Kepolisian), can be daunting for expats and foreigners in Indonesia.
Often essential for visa applications, investor requirements, or even long-term stays under KITAS and KITAP, the SKCK serves as a vital Police Clearance Certificate.
However, many find their applications rejected due to overlooked details or misunderstandings about the requirements.
Whether you’re in Bali or elsewhere in Indonesia, understanding the common pitfalls in the application process can help ensure your efforts to secure this important document are successful.
What is Criminal Record Certificate (SKCK)?
A Criminal Record Certificate (also known as SKCK) is an official document confirming the absence of a criminal record during your stay in Indonesia and 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 Record Certificate (SKCK)
Here are some of the reasons why foreigners might need a Criminal Record Certificate or SKCK:
- 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 necessary when applying for job opportunities overseas.
- It’s a prerequisite for purchasing property or real estate in Indonesia.
Rejected SKCK Applications
There are several reasons why your application for a Criminal Record Certificate (SKCK) may be rejected by the Indonesian police, such as:
- Incomplete or Invalid Documents: Applicants must ensure that all required documents, such as passports, KITAS/KITAP, and other relevant documents, are included and valid. Missing or invalid documents are a common reason for rejection.
- Errors in Data Entry: Inaccurate or inconsistent data compared to the provided documents can lead to rejection. It’s crucial to fill out all forms accurately and consistently.
- Criminal History: If a foreign national has a criminal record, either in Indonesia or in their home country, this can be grounds for rejection.
- Previous Legal Issues: Unresolved legal matters or other legal violations can be an obstacle to obtaining an SKCK.
What You Need To Do
If your application for a Criminal Record Certificate (SKCK) is rejected by the Indonesian police as a foreign national, here are some steps and solutions you can take to address the rejection:
- Review Your Documents: Check all submitted documents to ensure that nothing is missing or incorrect. Make sure all documents such as your passport, KITAS/KITAP, and other supporting documents are complete and valid.
- Correct Errors on the Application Form: Ensure that all data on the application form is filled out correctly and matches the submitted documents. Errors in the application form can be a reason for rejection.
- Resolve Legal Issues: If there are any unresolved criminal records or legal issues, try to resolve these first. Obtain a letter from the relevant court or police stating that the legal issues have been resolved.
- Reapply: After addressing the issues that led to the initial rejection, reapply for the SKCK at the police station with all the necessary documents and the corrected form.
- Consult with a Professional Agent: If you are still facing difficulties or want to ensure the process goes smoothly, consider using the services of a professional agent.
How We Can Assist You
We offer agency services that assist foreign nationals in obtaining their Criminal Record Certificate (SKCK) in Indonesia.
Our services include help with gathering and verifying documents, filling out application forms, and navigating the administrative processes at the police department.
Simply send all required administrative copies to us via WhatsApp or email, and then our agents will handle the processing at the National Police Headquarters in Jakarta on your behalf.
If any documents are missing, we will assist in obtaining a recommendation letter from the Provincial Police as long as you have a passport and an entry stamp visa in your passport from when you entered Indonesia.
Required Documents
Here are the documents you need to obtain a Criminal Record 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 Regional Police Headquarters, along with a photocopy of your passport that includes the Indonesian visa entry stamp.
- Fingerprint records.
- A request letter from your sponsor.
- 4 x 6 cm photographs with a yellow background.
Processing Time
If you use an agent, the entire process of gathering requirements and obtaining the Criminal Record Certificate (SKCK) can take approximately 6 to 11 working days.
Basically we can send you the digital copy as soon as the Criminal Record Certificate (SKCK) issued by the Indonesian National Police Headquarters.
Cost
For information about the fee of obtaining the Criminal Record Certificate (SKCK), please contact us via WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What should I do if my SKCK application is rejected because I do not have a KITAS or KITAP?
If you lack a KITAS or KITAP, you can request a recommendation letter from the regional police headquarters to support your SKCK application before applying to the Indonesian National Police.
- What should I do if my SKCK application is rejected due to missing or invalid documents?
Verify that all your documents, such as your passport, KITAS/KITAP, and other supporting documents, are valid and complete. Ensure that photocopies are clear and all forms are filled out correctly. If any documents are missing or incorrect, submit the corrected or additional documents as per the feedback received from the police.
- What steps should I take if there was an error on my application form that led to the rejection of my SKCK application?
Review your application form thoroughly to spot and correct any errors. Ensure all the information provided matches the documents you are submitting. After making the necessary corrections, reapply for the SKCK at the appropriate police station.
- How can I address a rejection of my SKCK application due to a previous legal issue?
Resolve any outstanding legal issues before reapplying for your SKCK. This may involve obtaining a clearance or a settlement document from the court or relevant legal authority that indicates the issue has been resolved. Include this documentation with your subsequent SKCK application.
- What if my application is rejected because I lack a sponsor in Indonesia?
If you do not have a sponsor, find an Indonesian citizen who can vouch for you. The sponsor should provide a letter that includes both your and their personal information, the reason for your SKCK application, and the date you first arrived in Indonesia.
- Can I expedite my SKCK application after an initial rejection?
There is no official fast-track process for SKCK applications. However, ensuring that your application is complete and accurate can help avoid further delays. Consider using a professional agency service to ensure that your paperwork is correctly prepared and submitted, which may indirectly reduce processing times.
If your SKCK application has been rejected, feel free to contact us for assistance.
