Apostille Process
The Apostille Process for Authenticating Documents in Indonesia
If you’re looking to authenticate documents issued in Indonesia for legal use abroad, understanding the Apostille process is essential. This certification, recognized under the Hague Apostille Convention, ensures your document is valid for international use in participating countries. For non-Indonesian citizens, additional steps are required to complete the Apostille process efficiently and effectively.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Apostille Process
1. Grant Power of Attorney (POA)
As a foreigner, you must authorize an Indonesian citizen or representative to act on your behalf during the Apostille process. This step is mandatory for non-residents who cannot personally handle the procedure in Indonesia. By granting a Power of Attorney, you empower your representative to manage all necessary interactions with authorities, ensuring a smooth process.
2. Submit Your Document for Review
Once your document is submitted, the notary will conduct a thorough review to ensure it meets all requirements. Specifically:
- The notary verifies whether the official who signed your document is registered in the Indonesian government system.
- If the signature is already registered, the process moves forward without delay.
- If the signature is unregistered, the notary requests the official’s signature specimen and sends it to the Ministry of Law in Jakarta for verification.
3. Obtain Apostille Certification
After confirming the document’s validity and the signer’s registration, the notary proceeds with issuing the Apostille. This certification authenticates your document for international use, providing assurance to foreign authorities of its legitimacy.
Timeline for the Apostille Process
- If the signer’s signature is already registered:
The entire process typically takes 5 working days from the date of document submission. - If the signer’s signature is not registered:
Additional time is required to verify the signature with the Ministry of Law in Jakarta, extending the timeline by 5–7 working days , depending on the ministry’s response time.