How to Renew Indonesian Passport in Singapore

Combined, our family have a total of 5 Indonesian passport to maintain. That means, we should renew one every now and then.

But... Believe it or not... Every time one is due for renewal... I'm always on the frantic search of what is the current procedure and requirement. Honest.

I am still pinning my hope that somewhen, in the near future I hope, we will have a reliable official Indonesian embassy website to rely on. It was good for a brief period of time a few years ago, my heart fluttered with joy. (According to the friendly officer who took in my application, they are in the process of upgrading it. Yay! One can still hope for the best).

So... after the last one in April, I made a mental note to jot it down somewhere. So here it is:

1. Prepare all documents at home.
a. Completed form (black pen, CAPITAL).
b. Old passport and a copy of it (to be safe, both first and last page)
c. Singapore IC and a copy of it
d. A copy of Indonesian birth certificate (to be safe, I always brought the original. Just in case)
e. A copy of marriage/divorce certificate
f. Cash, fee is $35. Exact amount is better. In case no change.
g. Other card with your name and photo on it to be exchanged with a visitor pass.
No photo required.

2. Arrive at the embassy early to avoid long queue. I reached at about 8.30AM and a queue of about 15pax had formed neatly in front of the visitor pass issuance booth. Renewal application is only in the first half of the day. As my own rule of thumb, between 9.00-12.00.

3. Get a visitor pass, proceed to level 1

4. Get a queue number, and wait.

5. Submit your application

6. Go to payment counter and get the receipt. And then, wait for your turn for photo taking and finger prints.

(I completed all the above by about 9.15. Need to wait about 30 mins for photo taking. Apparently our passport is being printed between payment and photo taking time)

7. Your name will be called. Go to the photo taking room (beside left most counter). They will take your photo and 10 fingerprints. You will also sign your new passport on the spot.

8. KEEP the receipt for collection 3 working days later.

9. Collection is on second half of the day. My own rule of thumb is between 2.30 to 4.30. I know... Such a narrow window frame. But I always play it safe. With no car, the embassy is not exactly conveniently accessible. Oh... I also always avoid Fridays for collection. That's because of my chronic laziness to find the working time on Friday.

10. To collect, just bring the receipt straight to the counter. And voila... a crisp, brand new passport. :)

PS: For Indonesian FDW, after payment, we'll need to proceed to level 2 for a small interview and contract signing. I'll take note the next time we renew.