Here's the Procedure for Repatriating a Body to Indonesia!

In general, repatriating a body to Indonesia must be carried out following the correct procedures and in line with government regulations, both in the home country and abroad. In addition, many other factors affect the process of repatriating a body from overseas.

The Indonesian government has also set procedures that require grieving families to follow these procedures when arranging the repatriation of a body from abroad. So, how does the process work? Let's discuss it in this article so you can better understand.

Required Documents for Arranging the Repatriation of a Body from Abroad

Before getting into the procedures for arranging a body and the shipping process, here are some documents you must complete before arranging the repatriation. Read the full explanation below:

1. Application Letter for Export of the Body

The first document you must complete for the repatriation procedure to Indonesia is the application letter for export of the body. Why is an export letter needed? In general, a body sent from abroad must pass customs checks during the process.

This export letter will also serve as proof of shipping documentation for the airport or port that will handle the body's transfer. You can arrange it through the funeral agency you choose. The agency will then handle all requirements for the application letter for export of the body with the relevant institutions.

2. The Passport of the Deceased

The passport of the deceased is also a required document for arranging the repatriation of a body to Indonesia. This passport will go through a review by the relevant ministry in the country where the deceased passed away. In addition, the passport will also be checked by the Customs team.

Customs will also deactivate the deceased's passport to prevent misuse of their data by irresponsible parties.

3. Death Certificate

The next document you must complete when using body repatriation services to Indonesia is the death certificate, or Medical Certificate of Death. To obtain this certificate, you can arrange it at the hospital where the deceased was treated before passing away.

In addition, the Medical Certificate of Death from the hospital also serves as the basis for arranging a death certificate in Indonesia later on. This is because the Medical Certificate of Death is only valid abroad.

However, for arrangements in Indonesia, you need to include this document for the body's certificate with the relevant government institutions in Indonesia once the body has returned home.

4. Body Export Permit

After obtaining approval from the government of the country where the deceased lived, you will then need to prepare a body export permit. This permit is what you will attach to the body transportation documents at the airport or port.

This export permit will also be checked by Customs and by the body repatriation service you choose. The check aims to confirm the purpose and the object of export at the airport or port.

5. Body Sealing Certificate

You must also arrange a body sealing certificate. The purpose of this certificate is to confirm that the body has been wrapped in accordance with the international procedures for repatriating a body to Indonesia.

To obtain this certificate, you need to arrange permits with the body wrapping service in that country.

In addition, the body wrapping and sealing service will carry out the wrapping and sealing in line with international (long-distance) body shipping procedures.

Usually, however, body wrapping and sealing services only provide sealing. For the washing and embalming of the body, you will need to arrange this with a body washing service in that country.

6. Body Washing and Embalming Certificate

The final document you must include for the repatriation procedure to Indonesia is the Body Washing and Embalming Certificate. You can arrange this certificate through a body washing and embalming agency in the country where the deceased lived.

The purpose of this certificate is to confirm that all requirements related to body washing and embalming have been handled. It also confirms that the body is safe for international shipping.

The Process of Shipping a Body to Indonesia

Once all the required documents are complete, the next section covers the process of shipping a body from abroad to Indonesia. Read the explanation below:

1. Coordination Between Relevant Institutions

The first step in the body arrangement procedure is that the Indonesian Embassy in that country will coordinate with the relevant institutions there.

This coordination aims to make the process and the repatriation service to Indonesia smoother. It also serves to identify all costs you will need to pay for arranging the body in that country. Please note, however, that the cost of arranging a body differs from country to country.

2. Collection of the Body

The second step in the procedure for repatriating a body from abroad to Indonesia is the collection of the body. Once the Indonesian Embassy in that country has completed the relevant coordination, the shipping agency can arrange to collect the body. At this stage, the body repatriation cargo service will usually also handle the arrangements.

The body will then be taken to the airport or port, according to the rules for the international transport you use through the repatriation service. As a note, if you have the means, it is advisable to use air transport so that the process is faster.

3. Document Check

Once the body arrives at the airport or port, airport staff will check that all the documents you previously arranged are complete. If all documents and permits from the relevant institutions are in order, the body can depart for Indonesia.

4. Verification of Death Documents in Indonesia

The fourth step in the body shipping process to Indonesia is the verification of death documents by Customs in Indonesia. At this stage, the body has arrived in Indonesia and must go through a document check by Customs.

5. Transfer of the Body to the Funeral Home

After passing the inspection by Indonesian Customs, the body arrangement agency can take the body to the funeral home. In addition, if you request immediate burial, the agency can also take the body directly to the cemetery or to the funeral home package you have chosen.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Body from Abroad to Indonesia?

Shipping a body from abroad to Indonesia costs varying amounts, depending on the condition of the body and the repatriation method chosen. Here are the estimated costs:

1. Cremated Remains

If the body has been cremated, the shipping cost is around USD 300, or approximately IDR 4.5 million. This cost is lower because shipping ashes requires less space and a simpler process.

2. Whole Body

For a body that has not been cremated, the cost can range from USD 10,000 to USD 20,000, or approximately IDR 145–290 million. This cost is higher because shipping a whole body requires special care, a larger coffin, and a more complicated process, especially when using air transport.

The government also provides assistance to families who cannot afford the cost of repatriating a body through the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) and Consulate General (KJRI). To receive this assistance, families need to attach a certificate of inability to pay, which will be sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Body repatriation can be carried out by land or by air. Although the general process is the same, the cost can differ depending on the route chosen and the condition of the body. If the person died in unnatural circumstances, an autopsy may be required, and its results will also be needed for insurance claims.

Are Bodies Shipped from Abroad to Indonesia Subject to Customs Duties?

According to the official Customs website, bodies shipped from abroad to Indonesia are not subject to customs duties. The Head of the Customs Public Relations and Outreach Subdirectorate, Encep Dudi Ginanjar, confirmed that no import duties or taxes are levied on body shipments, as was confirmed for a coffin shipped from Penang, Malaysia.

Under Minister of Finance Decree No. 138/KMK.05/1997, a coffin or container holding a body or cremated ashes is exempt from import duties regardless of the type or composition of the container. In addition, body shipments also receive rush handling, a fast service for releasing goods from the customs area.

If you encounter any unclear charges when arranging a coffin, it is advisable to check the details of the bill with the cargo company or agent handling the shipment.

Now That You Know How to Arrange a Body from Abroad?

That is the procedure for arranging body repatriation to Indonesia. Please note that arrangements for a body should be made promptly. Shipping a body from abroad to Indonesia is a process that requires special attention and professional handling. From arranging documents to coordinating with the authorities, everything must be done carefully to ensure the body arrives home safely and in accordance with the applicable regulations.

For this reason, it is best to use body repatriation cargo services from experienced and authorized providers.

Kamboja, a trusted funeral service provider, also offers body cargo services to help you through this process. With Kamboja, all body shipping needs are handled professionally, so you can focus on what matters most during a difficult time. If you need help arranging the repatriation of a body from abroad, you are welcome to contact Kamboja.