If you decide to drive in Indonesia, beware of hazards you may never have encountered on the听road before. These can include motorcycles and bicycles carrying bulky items and even several听people on the back. There are also those food carts stopping without warning, animals crossing听the street, and all sorts of vehicles cutting you off to get through. Although driving can be a听pleasant experience, foreigners involved in traffic violations or minor accidents in Indonesia听should be aware that they can be subject to some sort of exploitation. Therefore, it is important听to drive within the rules and remain alert.
In Indonesia, road junctions may come as a real challenge. They are often congested with听traffic, making it difficult to get the right of way. Furthermore, many drivers tend to ignore red听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听remaining spaces. In addition, it is important to be very careful during the rainy season, when听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听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听accessible to people over 23.
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Traffic regulations in Indonesia
Indonesia follows international driving rules and requires that you drive on the left side of the听road. You should always carry a fluorescent safety vest, a warning triangle, a first aid kit and a听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听insurance documents at the airport. Third-party insurance, at least, is mandatory, and you must听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听citizens of ASEAN countries are exempt. You can use your international driving license issued in听your home country before your departure. However, the document must be approved upon听arrival by the Indonesian registration office in Jakarta.
Warning:
Since Indonesia has not signed the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, you are not听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,听and between 40 and 80 km/h on other roads. There is also a minimum speed limit of about 20听km/h below the maximum speed limit. There are fixed speed cameras in some places, but the听police are equipped with hand-held devices to spot cars driving over the limit: watch out for the听fine!
According to Indonesian law, only the driver and front seat passenger are required to wear a听seat belt, but all passengers are advised to buckle up. There is also no law requiring the use of a听car seat for children. However, if you are renting a vehicle and plan to travel with very young听passengers, ask the agency for appropriate seats.
Important:
Indonesia is a secular country, but due to the strong Islamic influence, the authorities have zero听tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol. Penalties are severe and can include听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听are allowed to hold a local driver's license. The Indonesian driving license, SIM (Surat Ijin听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听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听need to go to your local police station (called polresta, poltabes or polres, depending on where听you live) to apply. To find the nearest station, type "polres" and the name of your area into a听search engine.
Now you can also pre-register your driver's license application online and make sure to prepare听the following documents:
- Passport
- A photocopy of the passport pages containing identity information, visa information and entry听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听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听application fee for each SIM.
Even though you have a valid foreign driver's license, you will still need to undergo a theory听test: a series of 30 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 30 minutes. The test is听normally available in English. If this is not the case, you are allowed to be assisted by a听translator. You will be declared to have passed the test with 21 correct answers. Otherwise, you听may retake the test seven days later.
However, when it comes to your first driver's license application in Indonesia, you will be听required to pass a practical test as well. Such a test involves proving that you have mastered听basic maneuvers and skills. You will be able to take the test with a motorcycle or manual car,听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听two-wheelers. Costs are approximately Rp 120,000 for the car license and Rp 80,000 for the听extension. For a two-wheeler license, count around Rp 100,000 for a new license and Rp 75,000听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 :
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