A police background check certificate is often a mandatory document which foreign immigration authorities ask individuals to obtain when they want to move abroad for education or employment purposes or immigration settlement. This formal paper holds the name Surat Keterangan Catatan Kepolisian (SKCK).
The document holds equal importance for both Indonesian citizens and foreign nationals because it enables them to obtain visas and establish residency abroad and work permits and acquire naturalization status.
What is a Police background check certificate (SKCK)?
The Indonesian National Police issues the SKCK to verify that an individual maintained a criminal-free record during their stay in Indonesia. The SKCK remains valid for 6 months from issuance and functions for one destination country before requiring renewal for additional use.
Who requires a Police background check certificate?
1) Indonesian Citizens
Indonesian nationals need to get a Police background check certificate (SKCK) before starting their overseas education, overseas working assignment, becoming foreign citizens or permanent residents or participating in family reunification and sponsorship programs.
2) Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals living in Indonesia must submit a Police background check certificate (SKCK) when seeking visas or residence permits or when their employers perform background checks or seek immigration sponsorships for foreign countries.
Foreign nationals need to live or have lived legally in Indonesia and holding either an ITAP Permanent Stay Permit or an ITAS Stay Permit to qualify for the SKCK. Foreign nationals do not need to reside physically in Indonesia to obtain an SKCK since they can have someone represent them while living abroad.
How to obtain a Police background check certificate?
The process of obtaining Police background check certificates differs slightly for Indonesian citizens and foreign nationals.
1) Indonesian citizens
Online Application
The first step for Indonesian citizens to obtain a Police background check certificate involves downloading the POLRI SuperApp through Google Play and the App Store. Enter the necessary details to complete the identity verification steps until the system produces a barcode.
Manual Submission
Applicants who get their barcodes must then deliver these documents to the Indonesian National Police Headquarters (Mabes Polri):
- The official requirements for a formal photo consist of a 4×6 cm picture on a red background showing formal attire.
- Copies of their KTP (ID Card), Family Card (KK), Indonesian Passport, Birth Certificate and Degree Certificate.
- BPJS Kesehatan (Indonesian Health Insurance Card) copy.
- The Fingerprint Form (Formulir Sidik Jari) needs to be completed by applicants.
- Their barcode confirmation obtained from the online application system.
2) Foreign nationals
The POLRI SuperApp service is reserved for Indonesian citizens so foreign nationals must use different procedures to apply. Foreign nationals can apply for a Police background check certificate by presenting documents at the Indonesian National Police Headquarters (Mabes Polri) and they must provide the following documents:
- The official photo requirements demand a 4×6 cm image with yellow background which displays formal clothing.
- Submit copies of their current passport which include the ID page and all Indonesian entry and exit stamps.
- Limited Stay Permit (ITAS) or Permanent Stay Permit (ITAP) documents.
- Complete the Fingerprint Form which is called Formulir Sidik Jari.
- Applicants who want to apply for the Police background check certificate need their sponsor or guarantor to provide a sponsor letter during their Indonesian residence.
Both Indonesian citizens and foreign nationals who live abroad need to give their Power of Attorney to a representative in Indonesia to handle their manual SKCK application submission at the Indonesian Police Headquarters.
How can we help?
The SKCK represents an essential document for immigration purposes which applies to both Indonesian and foreign citizens thus it is important to obtain it in a timely and professional manner considering the rising scrutiny within global immigration systems. If you need additional help with your application process please feel free to contact us for support.