So, I wanted to get an Indonesian ID card, you know, the Kartu Tanda Penduduk, or KTP as they call it. I heard it’s pretty important to have one here, especially if you’re staying for a while. I’m not Indonesian, so I needed the version for foreigners, which is called KTP Asing.
First, I tried to figure out what I needed. It’s not super clear online, but I found out that you need a KITAS or KITAP, which are basically permits to stay in Indonesia. I already had my KITAS sorted, so that was one thing checked off the list.
Gathering Documents
Next, I had to gather a bunch of documents. Honestly, it felt like a small mountain of paperwork. I needed:

- My passport, obviously.
- My KITAS, to prove I’m allowed to be here.
- A certificate of residence, which I got from the local authorities. It’s like a proof of address.
- A few passport photos. I went to a local photo studio and got these done. They know the specific requirements, so that was easy.
With all these documents in hand, I felt somewhat prepared. It’s always a bit nerve-wracking dealing with official stuff in a foreign country, but I tried to stay positive.
Going to the Civil Registry Office
I found out that I needed to go to the Civil Registry and Population Office, or “Dinas Kependudukan dan Pencatatan Sipil”. That’s a mouthful, right? Anyway, I went there and hoped for the best. I took a number and waited. The place was busy, lots of people doing their own paperwork.
When it was my turn, I went to the counter and explained what I needed. The officer was helpful, thankfully. They checked my documents, asked a few questions, and then guided me through the next steps.
Filling Out Forms and Paying Fees
I had to fill out a few forms, providing all sorts of information about myself. It was a bit tedious, but I made sure to double-check everything. Then, there was a fee to pay. It wasn’t too expensive, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand for these things.
Biometric Data and Photo
After the paperwork and payment, they took my biometric data. This included fingerprints and a digital photo. It was all pretty standard, similar to what I’ve done in other countries. They use this to make sure the ID is unique to you.
Waiting for the ID Card
Once everything was submitted, all I could do was wait. They told me it would take a few weeks for the ID card to be processed and ready. They gave me a receipt and said I could use that as temporary proof of ID. So, I waited. It was a bit of a waiting game, but I used the time to explore more of Indonesia.
Finally, I got a notification that my KTP Asing was ready! I went back to the Civil Registry Office, showed my receipt, and they handed me my new Indonesian ID card. It felt good to finally have it. It makes things a bit easier here, like opening a bank account or dealing with other official matters. Plus, it’s a nice little piece of my life in Indonesia.
Getting the KTP Asing was a bit of a process, but it wasn’t too bad overall. If you’re planning to stay in Indonesia for a while, I definitely recommend getting one. Just be prepared for some paperwork and a bit of waiting. It’s worth it in the end!