Driving in Indonesia
If you decide to drive in Indonesia, beware of hazards you may never have encountered on the road before. These can include motorcycles and bicycles carrying bulky items and even several people on the back. There are also those food carts stopping without warning, animals crossing the street, and all sorts of vehicles cutting you off to get through. Although driving can be a pleasant experience, foreigners involved in traffic violations or minor accidents in Indonesia should be aware that they can be subject to some sort of exploitation. Therefore, it is important to drive within the rules and remain alert.
In Indonesia, road junctions may come as a real challenge. They are often congested with traffic, making it difficult to get the right of way. Furthermore, many drivers tend to ignore red lights, especially at night. Therefore, be extremely careful when you come to a junction.
Many of the streets in the country are quite narrow, with parked cars that further constrain the remaining spaces. In addition, it is important to be very careful during the rainy season, when main roads in Sumatra, Kalimantan and Sulawesi are flooded.
While gas prices in Indonesia may vary from place to place, they are still affordable. You will most likely drive on toll roads around major cities. Rates are low, and you'll avoid traffic jams.
Important:
If you want to drive but don't want to buy a car, car rental in Indonesia is relatively cheap and is accessible to people over 23.
Traffic regulations in Indonesia
Indonesia follows international driving rules and requires that you drive on the left side of the road. You should always carry a fluorescent safety vest, a warning triangle, a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher in your vehicle. For safety, also have a spare set of light bulbs on hand.
Foreign drivers are required to present their international driving license, car registration and insurance documents at the airport. Third-party insurance, at least, is mandatory, and you must be able to show valid proof at all times.
When you rent or buy a car to drive, you must also hold an international driving permit. Only citizens of ASEAN countries are exempt. You can use your international driving license issued in your home country before your departure. However, the document must be approved upon arrival by the Indonesian registration office in Jakarta.
Warning:
Since Indonesia has not signed the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, you are not allowed to drive with your original driving license only.
Speed limits range between 80 and 100 km/h on highways, which can only be found in Java, and between 40 and 80 km/h on other roads. There is also a minimum speed limit of about 20 km/h below the maximum speed limit. There are fixed speed cameras in some places, but the police are equipped with hand-held devices to spot cars driving over the limit: watch out for the fine!
According to Indonesian law, only the driver and front seat passenger are required to wear a seat belt, but all passengers are advised to buckle up. There is also no law requiring the use of a car seat for children. However, if you are renting a vehicle and plan to travel with very young passengers, ask the agency for appropriate seats.
Important:
Indonesia is a secular country, but due to the strong Islamic influence, the authorities have zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol. Penalties are severe and can include corporal punishment, jail and deportation.
Indonesian driver's license
Only foreign national residents of Indonesia who hold a KITAS or KITAP visa and are of legal age are allowed to hold a local driver's license. The Indonesian driving license, SIM (Surat Ijin Mengemudi), is now valid for foreigners for five years. After this period, it must be renewed.
Expatriates can apply for a SIM permit in their region of residence. This permit is particularly convenient as it also serves as an identity document.
In Indonesia, it is the responsibility of the police to issue driver's licenses. Therefore, you will need to go to your local police station (called polresta, poltabes or polres, depending on where you live) to apply. To find the nearest station, type "polres" and the name of your area into a search engine.
Now you can also pre-register your driver's license application online and make sure to prepare the following documents:
- Passport
- A photocopy of the passport pages containing identity information, visa information and entry stamp to Indonesia
- The original and a copy of your KITAS or KITAP card
- The original and a copy of any valid driver's license you have
- A medical certificate (surat kesehatan) validating a medical check-up (which usually consists of having your vision and blood pressure tested)
- Originals and copies of both identity cards are required for foreigners (KTP-OA and SKTT).
If applying for multiple driver's licenses, make as many copies as you need and prepare the application fee for each SIM.
Even though you have a valid foreign driver's license, you will still need to undergo a theory test: a series of 30 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 30 minutes. The test is normally available in English. If this is not the case, you are allowed to be assisted by a translator. You will be declared to have passed the test with 21 correct answers. Otherwise, you may retake the test seven days later.
However, when it comes to your first driver's license application in Indonesia, you will be required to pass a practical test as well. Such a test involves proving that you have mastered basic maneuvers and skills. You will be able to take the test with a motorcycle or manual car, but you can bring your own vehicle.
While the SIM A license is solely intended for 4-wheel vehicle drivers, the SIM B license is for two-wheelers. Costs are approximately Rp 120,000 for the car license and Rp 80,000 for the extension. For a two-wheeler license, count around Rp 100,000 for a new license and Rp 75,000 for reconduction.
Useful phrases in Indonesia
- My car broke down - Mobil saya mogok
- I have a flat tire - Saya mengalami ban kempes
- I had an accident - Saya mengalami kecelakaan
- Where is the police station? - Di mana kantor polisi?
- Where can I buy gas? - Di mana saya bisa membeli bensin?
Useful links :
Online application for an international driving license in Indonesia.
Driving theory test questionnaire - in Indonesian
