The Director General of Immigration, together with the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Tokyo, has officially launched the electronic passport (e-passport).

The e-passport service was first introduced on Friday, July 26, 2024, at the KBRI Tokyo. The launch event was attended by Indonesian citizens, including workers and students in Tokyo.

Key Point: 

• Soon, the Consulates General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Osaka, Frankfurt, and Hamburg will begin providing e-passport services, following the lead of KBRI Tokyo
• The launch of e-passports at the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo will simplify the process for Indonesians in Japan to apply for or renew their passports

Courtesy Source: Firdha Aulia Rachmasari

Courtesy Photo: (Foto: Getty Images/Ariawan Armoko)

The e-passport is intended to enhance the quality of passport services for Indonesians in Japan. The KBRI Tokyo is one of several Indonesian diplomatic missions authorized to issue e-passports to Indonesians living abroad.

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To date, several Indonesian diplomatic missions abroad capable of issuing e-passports include Singapore, Seoul (South Korea), The Hague (Netherlands), Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), Los Angeles (United States), and Berlin (Germany).

With the introduction of e-passports at the KBRI Tokyo, Indonesians in Japan will find it easier to apply for or renew their passports without a complicated process. This service has long been anticipated by Indonesians in Japan, and the availability of e-passports encourages the KBRI Tokyo to continue enhancing its high-quality services for Indonesian citizens there.

Expanding e-passport services could also strengthen the global standing of Indonesian passports. In addition to improving data security, e-passports simplify immigration processes in countries that have adopted similar systems.

E-passports provide convenience for Indonesians in Japan, especially those residing within the KBRI Tokyo’s jurisdiction. They no longer need to return to Indonesia to obtain an e-passport, as the KBRI Tokyo now offers this service.

On the other hand, as a member of the G20, Indonesia is expected to exhibit a mentality akin to other developed nations. The introduction of electronic passport services is one way to reflect this in the immigration sector.

Director General of Immigration RI, Silmy Karim, emphasized that his office will continue to expand e-passport services to further strengthen the Indonesian passport. He also reminded passport holders to maintain order while in foreign countries, as this affects global trust in Indonesian passport holders.

“Do not violate regulations or overstay in foreign countries. Such issues, combined with good diplomatic relations through reciprocal agreements, can enhance our passport ranking,” he stressed.

Indonesian immigration offices began issuing electronic passports in January 2024. This service is now being extended abroad, starting from offices with immigration attachés.

In the near future, the Consulates General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Osaka, Frankfurt, and Hamburg will follow KBRI Tokyo in offering e-passport services.

Increase in Indonesian Passport Applicants in Japan

According to the official website of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in 2023, KBRI Tokyo issued 9,041 passports, while approximately 149,101 Indonesians were recorded as residing in Japan.

About 73.8 percent, or around 110,103 Indonesians, live in the KBRI Tokyo’s jurisdiction, which covers 30 prefectures across six regions.

Meanwhile, in 2024, the number of passport issuances has significantly increased. So far, the number of passport applicants at KBRI Tokyo has reached between 1,400 and 1,600 per month. This figure reflects a high demand for fast and efficient immigration services.

Courtesy Source: https://www.goodnewsfromindonesia.id/2024/07/29/anti-ribet-kbri-tokyo-akhirnya-terbitkan-e-paspor-permudah-wni-di-jepang