This changed recently and much published guidance has not caught up. Indonesia joined the Hague Apostille Convention with effect from June 2022, so a U.S. public document used there now needs an apostille rather than the old chain ending at an Indonesian consulate.
Quick facts
Indonesian documents travelling the other way are apostilled by the Ministry of Law through its own online system, which replaced a process that used to require several ministries in sequence.
Fees breakdown
| Item | Cost | Issued by |
|---|---|---|
| Apostille on a U.S. state document | $3–$25 per document | Secretary of State of that state |
| Apostille on a U.S. federal document | $20 per document | U.S. Department of State |
| Apostille on an Indonesian document | Charged in Indonesia | Ministry of Law, online |
| Legalisation of a signature or copy | Published tariff | At the mission |
| Translation into Indonesian | Per page | Sworn translator |
Translations are generally expected from a sworn translator, and Indonesian institutions are particular about who qualifies. Ask before commissioning one.
How to prepare a document for Indonesia
- Ask the receiving institution whether an apostille satisfies it.
- Order a certified copy from the issuing office.
- Notarise private documents first, since the apostille certifies the notary.
- File with the Secretary of State of the issuing state, or Washington for federal records.
- Arrange the sworn translation where required.
- Keep the document, apostille and translation together.
Required documents
- Original certified copy with signature and seal.
- Completed authentication request and payment.
- Photo identification for consular services.
- Money order or cashier’s check for any consular fee.
What the missions do
They issue and replace travel documents, legalise signatures and copies, issue the immigration affidavit for dual-national children, handle limited visa categories and assist Indonesian nationals in difficulty.
Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia
View details →HoustonConsulate General of Indonesia
View details →Los AngelesConsulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Los Angeles
View details →New YorkKJRI NY
View details →San FranciscoConsulate General of Indonesia
View details →WashingtonEmbassy of Indonesia
View details →Additional notes
Old guidance persists
Agencies still sell the pre-2022 legalisation chain. Confirming the requirement first is the cheapest step in the process.
Marriage documents
Marriage in Indonesia requires a religious ceremony, and documents from abroad are assessed with that framework in mind. Ask what the receiving office needs.
Order two copies
Indonesian offices keep what they receive, and repeating the chain from abroad is slow.
Never apostille a photocopy
The certificate attaches to an original or a certified copy from the record keeper.