11-9-2024 (JAKARTA) Indonesian driving licences will soon be valid in eight ASEAN countries. This significant change, slated to take effect from June 2025, marks a major step towards regional integration and promises to streamline cross-border travel for Indonesian motorists.
The Indonesian National Police Traffic Corps (Korlantas Polri) has announced that driving licences issued in Indonesia will be recognised in Thailand, Laos, the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam, Myanmar, and Malaysia. This initiative is poised to simplify travel procedures for Indonesians venturing into these neighbouring nations, eliminating the need for separate driving permit applications in each country.
This milestone achievement is the result of concerted efforts by Korlantas Polri to enhance the administrative aspects of driving licence issuance. A key development has been the integration of the Population Identification Number (NIK) into driving licences, aligning them with other official documents such as tax identification numbers (NPWP), social security cards (BPJS), and national identity cards (KTP).
Brigadier General Yusri Yunus, Director of Registration and Identification at Korlantas Polri, emphasised the ongoing improvements to the driving licence system. “We are continually refining our approach, with the incorporation of the NIK as the driving licence number being a prime example of our progress,” he stated.
In addition to administrative enhancements, Korlantas Polri has unveiled a new design for Indonesian driving licences. The updated format features a motorcycle logo for SIM C (motorcycle licences) and a car logo for SIM A (car licences). This visual distinction aims to facilitate easy recognition by foreign authorities, clearly indicating the type of vehicle the licence holder is permitted to operate.
While this development represents a significant leap forward in regional cooperation, it’s important to note that some countries maintain specific regulations regarding the use of foreign driving licences. For instance, in Singapore, Indonesian licences will only be valid for a 12-month period, after which drivers must obtain a local Singaporean licence to continue operating vehicles in the city-state.
Malaysia, which has been implementing stricter regulations since 2018, requires foreign drivers to possess both an International Driving Permit and a valid original driving licence from their home country. Indonesian citizens without an International Driving Permit have the option to apply for a Malaysian driving licence through the country’s Driving Institute.
