Hey everyone, today I want to share my experience of getting an Indonesian driving license online. It was a bit of a journey, but I managed to get it done, and I figured it might be helpful for others who are in a similar boat.
Starting Out
So, first off, I knew I needed a driving license here in Indonesia. I have my KITAS, which is like a temporary stay permit, and I heard that foreigners with a KITAS or KITAP can get a local driving license, called a SIM (Surat Izin Mengemudi). Driving without one is a big no-no, and I definitely didn’t want to risk it.
Digging into the Process
I started by asking around and doing some searching online. I found out that there’s actually an online service for getting a SIM these days. It’s supposed to be easier than the old way, which involved going to the police station in person and all that hassle. Sounded good to me, so I decided to give it a shot.

Gathering My Documents
Before anything else, I had to make sure I had all the right documents. They needed my passport, my KITAS, and a few other things. It’s super important to have everything in order because they won’t even process your application if something’s missing. It took me a couple of days to gather everything and double-check that I had all the right copies and forms filled out.
Navigating the Website
Once I had my documents ready, I went to the official website for the online SIM service. It was a bit confusing at first, to be honest. The layout wasn’t the most user-friendly, and I had to click around quite a bit to find the right section for foreigners applying for a new license. It took some patience, but I eventually found the online form.
Filling Out the Forms
The online form was pretty long, with lots of fields to fill in. I had to enter all my personal details, information from my passport and KITAS, and answer some questions about my driving history. I made sure to take my time and fill everything out accurately. A small mistake here could mean delays or even a rejection, so I triple-checked everything before submitting.
The Waiting Game
After submitting the form, all I could do was wait. I got a confirmation email saying they received my application, but there was no clear timeline on when I would hear back. It was a bit nerve-wracking, not knowing how long it would take. I kept checking my email every day, hoping for an update.
Success
Finally, after about three weeks, I got an email saying my application was approved! I was so relieved. The email had instructions on how to make the payment and then download my digital SIM. I followed the steps, paid the fee, and boom, there it was, my Indonesian driving license, right on my phone.
Overall, it was a bit of a process, but definitely doable. The online system is a huge improvement, even though it’s not perfect. My advice to anyone going through this: be patient, make sure you have all your documents in order, and double-check everything you submit. Good luck!