Indonesia (ID)
Bali and beyond — Indonesia is a vast tropical archipelago of 17,000+ islands offering affordable living, extraordinary cultural diversity, world-class nature, and a rapidly growing digital economy that attracts digital nomads, retirees, and professionals from around the globe.
Driving in Indonesia
Licence exchange, road rules, fines, buying a car, and cycling.
Indonesia drives on the left, with the steering wheel on the right side of the vehicle. Traffic conditions vary dramatically — Jakarta has some of the world's worst congestion (TomTom Traffic Index top 10), while Bali's narrow lanes are navigated primarily by scooters. Indonesian SIM (Surat Izin Mengemudi) is required for legal driving: SIM A for cars/four-wheel vehicles, SIM C for motorcycles/scooters. International Driving Permit (IDP) is technically valid for short tourist stays but KITAS holders must convert to Indonesian SIM within 30 days of KITAS issuance. E-toll cashless cards are mandatory on all toll roads — carry a loaded e-money card. Traffic fatalities in Indonesia are among the highest in Southeast Asia — motorcycle accidents are the leading cause of expat death in Bali.
Driving Licence Exchange
Foreign driving licences can be exchanged for Indonesian SIM without a full written or practical test under bilateral reciprocal agreements. For countries without agreements, full conversion test required. KITAS holders must apply for Indonesian SIM regardless of home country licence — IDP is for temporary visitors only.
Australia, Japan, South Korea, Netherlands, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand
Reciprocal agreement countries: bring foreign licence + IDP + passport + KITAS + medical certificate (surat sehat) to Polres (District Police) Satlantas office. Theory test (ujian tertulis) and practical test may be waived for valid foreign licences from reciprocal countries — verify current status at local Polres as agreements change. Eye test and health check mandatory.
Processing at Polres/Satpas (Satuan Penyelenggaraan Administrasi SIM) — same-day processing in most areas. Bring original foreign licence, certified Indonesian translation (for non-Roman alphabet licences). SIM valid 5 years.
For countries without reciprocal agreement: must pass full written theory test (ujian tertulis) and practical driving test (ujian praktek) at Polres Satlantas. Tests conducted in Bahasa Indonesia — bring translator or prepare from English-language study materials available online. Theory test: 30 questions on traffic signs, rules. Practical test: figure-8 and other manoeuvres in police test yard.
Multiple visits may be needed if test failed. KITAS required before applying. Bring: passport, KITAS, passport photos (4×6cm and 2×3cm), medical certificate.
No EU-wide bilateral agreement with Indonesia. Germany and Netherlands are covered by the specific bilateral list above (simplified exchange). Other EU member states must complete the full test process: theory test (ujian tertulis) and practical driving test (ujian praktek) at Polres Satlantas. Bring original EU licence + certified Indonesian translation + KITAS + passport + medical certificate.
Reciprocal agreements are updated periodically — check your country's current status with your consulate or local Polres before applying.
Road Rules
Built-up areas (kawasan permukiman): 50 km/h. National highways (jalan nasional): 80 km/h. Toll roads (tol): 60–100 km/h (varies by segment, posted on signs). School zones: 25–30 km/h. Motorcycles on toll roads: NOT permitted (motorcycles use separate road network).
0.05% BAC for private vehicles (cars). 0% BAC for motorcycles, professional drivers, and drivers of public transport. Enforcement through random checkpoints (razia). Breath tests increasing.
Handheld mobile phone use while driving prohibited — risk of Rp750,000 fine. Hands-free permitted. Indonesian drivers frequently use phones — set example and do not follow local practice.
Mandatory for all occupants in cars — front and rear. Fine: Rp250,000. Child seats required for children under 10 and under 36kg. Motorcycles: helmets mandatory for rider and all pillion passengers. Standard helmet (SNI certified) required — full-face or half-face both accepted.
Child seats mandatory under PP No. 55/2012 for children under 10 years and under 36kg. Enforcement variable. Child safety seat availability in rental cars limited — bring from home or hire from specialist rental services (Jakarta: Rentbaby, BabyEquipment.id).
Ganjil-Genap (Odd-Even) traffic restriction in Jakarta: on designated major roads (Sudirman, Thamrin, Rasuna Said, etc.) during peak hours (Mon-Fri 07:00–10:00 and 16:00–21:00). On odd-calendar days: only vehicles with odd-ending licence plates may pass. Even days: even-ending plates. Private vehicles with one occupant only prohibited in these zones at these times under ERP (Electronic Road Pricing) expansion plan. Motorcycles: exempt from Ganjil-Genap. GoJek/Grab: exempt (public transport).
Traffic Fines (Bußgeldkatalog)
Indonesian traffic fines have been significantly updated under revised traffic law (UU LLAJ No. 22/2009). Fines are moderate by international standards. E-tilang (electronic ticketing) increasingly deployed in Jakarta. Payment via BRIVA (BRI Virtual Account) or directly at Polres. If stopped by police: be polite, do not argue. Asking to "settle" (negotiate) is common but illegal — refuse and request official ticket (tilang).
| Offence | Fine | Points |
|---|---|---|
| No helmet (motorcyclists) | Rp250,000 | Not applicable |
| Running red light | Rp500,000 | — |
| Using mobile phone while driving | Rp750,000 | — |
| No seatbelt | Rp250,000 | — |
| Speeding (exceeding speed limit) | Rp500,000 | — |
| Driving without licence (SIM) | Rp1,000,000 | — |
| Driving without vehicle registration (STNK) | Rp500,000 | — |
| Driving under influence (over BAC limit) | Rp750,000 + possible criminal charges | — |
| Violating Ganjil-Genap restriction (Jakarta) | Rp500,000 | — |
| No e-toll card on toll road | Turned back at toll gate — no cash option | — |
Buying a Car
Foreigners with KITAS can legally own vehicles in Indonesia (car or motorcycle). Vehicle registered in foreigner's name with KITAS number on STNK (Surat Tanda Nomor Kendaraan — vehicle registration certificate). Popular cars: Toyota Avanza/Kijang (MPV — family friendly, best for Jakarta traffic), Honda Jazz, Toyota Fortuner (4WD for rural), Daihatsu Xenia. Second-hand (bekas) market well-developed. Some expats opt for long-term rental or driver service instead.
- 1.Determine budget and vehicle needs — local MPV or SUV for Jakarta traffic; scooter/motorbike for Bali
- 2.Search via OLX Autos, Carmudi, or dealer showrooms (Auto2000 for Toyota, Honda Prospect Motor for Honda)
- 3.For new vehicle: visit authorised dealer — English-speaking salespeople at major Jakarta/Bali dealerships
- 4.For used vehicle: use reputable used car dealer or request independent inspection by a mechanic before purchase
- 5.Pay BPHTB (motor vehicle transfer duty) and arrange STNK transfer at Samsat (system of vehicle registration offices)
- 6.Obtain STNK (registration certificate) and BPKB (vehicle ownership book) in your name
- 7.Purchase vehicle insurance (Garda Oto, Simas, etc.)
- 8.Purchase e-toll card (BCA Flazz, Mandiri e-Money) for toll road access
- •Verify BPKB (Buku Pemilik Kendaraan Bermotor — ownership book) matches STNK — both documents should have same engine and chassis number
- •STNK validity (annual) and PKB (vehicle tax) must be current — unpaid PKB means vehicle cannot be transferred
- •Check BPKB is not collateral (jaminan) at any leasing company — obtain BPKB check at Ditlantas Polda
- •Physical inspection for accident damage — Bali rental motorcycles often have hidden frame damage
- •Engine number and chassis number match documents
- •Jasa Raharja third-party insurance current
New Toyota Avanza: Rp220,000,000–260,000,000. Used Honda Jazz (3 years): Rp130,000,000–180,000,000. New Yamaha NMAX scooter: Rp32,000,000–36,000,000. STNK annual tax (PKB): ~2% of vehicle value/year. BBNKB (transfer duty on purchase): 12.5% of vehicle value (first-time registration in buyer name).
Registration, Insurance & Tax
STNK (Surat Tanda Nomor Kendaraan) — annual registration and road tax combined. Renewed at Samsat (Sistem Administrasi Manunggal Satu Atap) offices or via online Samsat (e-Samsat). Annual tax (PKB — Pajak Kendaraan Bermotor): approximately 2% of vehicle NJKB (book value). 5-year cycle: new STNK plate (plat nomor) and TNKB (licence plate) every 5 years — requires physical vehicle at Samsat. STNK must be in vehicle at all times. Expired STNK: Rp500,000 fine.
Jasa Raharja (government third-party liability scheme): automatically included in annual STNK tax renewal. Covers victims of road accidents (not the vehicle itself). Comprehensive vehicle insurance: highly recommended but not legally mandatory. Comprehensive (All Risk): covers own damage, theft, and third-party liability. TLO (Total Loss Only): cheaper, covers only total theft or write-off. Minimum recommended: TLO + third-party liability expansion.
PKB (Pajak Kendaraan Bermotor): approximately 2% of NJKB (official book value)/year for individual owners. Progressive PKB: 2% for first vehicle, 2.5% for second, 3% for third. SWDKLLJ (compulsory fund for road accident victims): included in STNK renewal payment. BBN (vehicle transfer fee): 12.5% on first registration under new owner name.
Annual vehicle inspection (KIR — Kendaraan Inspeksi Raya) is mandatory for commercial vehicles only (trucks, buses, taxis). Private passenger cars: NO mandatory periodic technical inspection equivalent to European MOT. However: police spot checks (razia) can penalise visibly unsafe vehicles. Emissions testing: increasingly required in Jakarta under air quality regulations.
Cycling
Cycling as daily transport is impractical in most Indonesian cities due to heat, humidity, traffic, and lack of dedicated infrastructure. Recreational cycling is enjoyed in select areas: Yogyakarta's flat streets, Ubud's rice field routes, Bromo's caldera (mountain bikes), and the scenic Jatiluwih UNESCO rice terraces in Bali.
- •No licence or registration required for bicycles
- •Helmet strongly recommended though not legally required for cyclists
- •Road-sharing rules apply — cyclists use left lane
- •Jakarta designated bike lanes (Jl. Sudirman, Jl. Thamrin): open on Car-Free Sunday mornings (06:00–11:00)
- •Car-Free Day (CFD) in Jakarta every Sunday: Jl. Sudirman-Thamrin closed to vehicles — best cycling opportunity
- •Bali: early morning cycling (before 08:00) is safest before traffic builds
- •Wear bright/reflective clothing — visibility critical on Indonesian roads
- •Avoid cycling on main arterials (jalan raya) during peak hours
- •Mountain biking: Kintamani, Batur caldera, and Mount Bromo area — guides available
- •Bicycle rental: Rp30,000–80,000/day in tourist areas
- •Consider e-bike for flatter routes — increasingly available for rent in Bali