Surat Keterangan Catatan Kepolisian (SKCK)
You may at some point in the future have a requirement for a certificate of good conduct from the Indonesian police department to establish your lack of criminal record during your stay in Indonesia.
Only foreign nationals who held a valid ITAS (formerly KITAS) or ITAP (formerly KITAP) during their time in Indonesia are eligible to apply. Those who were present solely on a Business Visa, Tourist Visa, or Social-Cultural Visa do not qualify.
Surat Keterangan Catatan Kepolisian – SKCK
SKCKs are official documents issued by the police to applicants from the National Police’s intelligence office. The certificate carries a validity of up to six months from the date of issuance. If it has expired, the certificate can be extended if necessary.
Note that many foreign immigration authorities and employers require the document to be apostilled. Since Indonesia joined the Hague Apostille Convention in June 2022, Indonesian public documents — including the SKCK — can now be apostilled through the Ministry of Law and Human Rights (Kemenkumham), removing the need for full diplomatic legalisation in most cases. If you need an apostilled SKCK, factor this additional step into your timeline.
Application Procedure
In Indonesia, you can apply for an SKCK directly at the SKCK service counter in police stations. Depending on the purpose of the certificate, you may need to apply at different levels of the police hierarchy. Applications for domestic purposes such as employment or licensing are typically handled at the district police station (Polres) level. Applications intended for use abroad — for immigration, citizenship, or employment in a foreign country — generally need to be processed at the Regional Police (Polda) level or at National Police Headquarters (Mabes Polri) in Jakarta.
There is an online application for the SKCK, but you may find that the assistance of a formalities firm will expedite the issuance of the letter, if you’re living abroad.
Applying from outside Indonesia: If you have already left Indonesia and need an SKCK — a common requirement when applying for permanent residency or citizenship in another country — you can apply through the nearest Indonesian Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. Requirements and processing times vary by embassy; contact your nearest Indonesian diplomatic mission directly or check their official website for current procedures.
Requirements for Foreign Nationals
- Letter of application from sponsors, corporations, or agencies that employ, use, or are responsible for the applicant
- Photocopy of ID card
- Photocopy of passport
- Photocopy of Limited Stay Permit Card (ITAS) or Stay Permit Card (ITAP)*
- Photocopy of work permit (TKA permit / formerly IMTA) issued through the Manpower Ministry (Kemnaker RI)
- Photocopy of Letter of Identity from Police
- 6 colour photographs measuring 4 x 6 cm with yellow background, politely dressed, facing front. For applicants wearing head scarves, the face must be fully visible
- Recommendation letter from Polda / City Police will be required before the Certificate of SKCK can be issued by Mabes Polri (National Police Headquarters)
- Copy of the final departure permit stamp in your passport (EPO – Exit Permit Only) — please verify current requirements with your formalities agent as exit permit procedures have been updated under recent immigration regulations
* If you no longer hold a copy of your ITAS/ITAP, provide a copy of the passport page showing the ITAS or ITAP entry stamp as a substitute.
If the visa sponsor in Indonesia was or is your spouse, you will also need:
- Photocopy of your marriage certificate
- Photocopy of the ID card of your sponsoring spouse
Review requirements for the SKCK on the SKCK Online website, as they may change from time to time.
Processing Time
In-person applications at a Polres or Polda office can often be completed within one to three working days, though this varies by location and workload. Applications routed through Mabes Polri for international use tend to take longer — allow at least one week, and more if an apostille is required as a separate subsequent step. If you are working to a deadline for a visa application or job offer, build in extra time and consider engaging a formalities agent to manage the process.
Security Clearances or Background Checks
The Police Certificate only reviews any interactions or background you may have had with the Indonesian police and is not a full background check.
If you require more comprehensive documentation covering your entire period of residency in Indonesia — for example, for immigration purposes in Australia, the UK, Canada, or other countries with detailed character requirements — discuss with the relevant embassy or immigration authority what level of documentation they require, as the scope of the SKCK may not be sufficient on its own.
Getting Assistance with the Application
If you are not able to come in person to get the SKCK, or have difficulties registering online, we suggest you request the assistance of an English-speaking formalities agent — recommended document and formalities firms.
STM
Go to the Visas and Document page for information on STM documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for an SKCK in Indonesia?
Only foreign nationals who held a valid ITAS (formerly KITAS) or ITAP (formerly KITAP) during their stay in Indonesia are eligible. Those present only on a tourist, social-cultural, or business visa do not qualify.
How long is an SKCK valid for?
An SKCK is valid for six months from the date of issue. It can be renewed if required.
How long does it take to get an SKCK?
In-person applications at a local or regional police station typically take one to three working days. Applications for international use processed through Mabes Polri may take a week or more. Allow additional time if an apostille is also required.
Can I apply for an SKCK from outside Indonesia?
Yes. Former residents can apply through the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence. Contact your nearest Indonesian diplomatic mission for their specific requirements and current procedures.
Do I need to apostille my SKCK?
This depends on the requirements of the country where the document will be used. Since Indonesia joined the Hague Apostille Convention in June 2022, apostilles are now available through the Ministry of Law and Human Rights (Kemenkumham). Check with the relevant foreign authority whether an apostille is required for your purposes.
What is the difference between applying at Polres, Polda, and Mabes Polri?
Polres (district police) handles SKCKs for domestic use. Polda (regional police) and Mabes Polri (National Police Headquarters) handle applications intended for use overseas. Your formalities agent or the SKCK service counter can advise on which level applies to your situation.
