Editor’s Note:
The information below reflects significant changes in Indonesia’s population registration system over the past decade. The SKPPS is no longer generally issued to foreign residents in Indonesia and has effectively been replaced by newer residency registration procedures managed through Dukcapil (Dinas Kependudukan dan Pencatatan Sipil) and Indonesia’s integrated population database system.
For many years, foreigners living in Indonesia on a KITAS/ITAS were required to register with the local Catatan Sipil office (Civil Registry Office) after arrival. This process formed part of Indonesia’s population administration and residency tracking system for temporary foreign residents.
Historically, foreign residents were often asked to obtain several different documents, including:
- SKTT – Surat Keterangan Tempat Tinggal (Certificate of Temporary Residence)
- SKPPS – Surat Keterangan Pendaftaran Penduduk Sementara (Temporary Resident Registration Letter)
- SKDLN – Surat Keterangan Datang dari Luar Negeri (Certificate of Arrival from Overseas)
At the time, these documents were commonly required for administrative purposes such as:
- Applying for or extending residency permits
- Registering a vehicle
- Opening bank accounts
- School registration
- Processing a future KITAP application
- Local government reporting requirements
The process usually began at the local Kantor Kelurahan or Kantor Lurah, where a Surat Keterangan Domisili (letter confirming local residency) would be issued. Foreign residents would then bring this document to the Catatan Sipil office to complete the registration process.
In some regions, foreigners were also issued a laminated residency card — often referred to informally by expats as the “green card” — showing their status as a temporary resident during the validity period of their KITAS/ITAS.
Changes to the System
Over time, Indonesia modernized and centralized its population administration system through Dukcapil and the national SIAK (Sistem Informasi Administrasi Kependudukan) database. As these systems became integrated nationwide, many older residency documents were gradually phased out.
By approximately 2014–2015, most regions in Indonesia had stopped issuing the SKPPS as a separate document. The SKDLN also largely disappeared from the process.
Today, the primary residency registration document for foreign residents is generally the:
SKTT – Surat Keterangan Tempat Tinggal / Certificate of Temporary Residence
The SKTT remains the main document issued by Dukcapil for foreigners holding a KITAS/ITAS. In many regions, the process is now computerized and integrated directly into national population administration systems.
Requirements and implementation can vary depending on the province or city where you live. In some regions, foreigners are still routinely asked to process an SKTT, while in other areas enforcement is less strict unless the document is specifically required for administrative purposes.
Current Situation for Foreign Residents
Foreigners holding an ITAS/KITAS should still be aware that local residency registration requirements may apply. Depending on the region and your circumstances, you may still need an SKTT for:
- Banking procedures
- Vehicle registration
- Driver’s license applications
- School enrollment
- Marriage registration
- Immigration or residency documentation
- Local administrative reporting
Foreigners holding a KITAP may also encounter additional documents such as:
- KTP OA (Foreign Resident Identity Card)
- KK (Family Card) in certain situations
As regulations and implementation can change, it is always advisable to confirm current procedures with:
- Your local Dukcapil office
- Immigration office
- Visa agent or relocation consultant
- HR department or sponsor company
Fees
Under current national regulations, residency registration documents issued by Dukcapil are generally processed free of charge. However, administrative procedures and supporting document requirements can vary from one region to another.
