The Indonesian National Police (Polri) has introduced a brand new driving license format (SIM) that may now be utilized in several Southeast Asian countries. With a more modern and informative design, the updated SIM card makes it easier for users to drive abroad.
In July, the Indonesian National Police’s Road Traffic Corps (Korlantas) announced plans to update the SIM format to bring it into line with international standards, particularly in Southeast Asia. The changes include adding vehicle images in keeping with the license type, making it more informative, although the general appearance stays largely unchanged.
Vehicle photos on the brand new SIM card: not only decoration, but additionally functionality!
The latest SIM card will contain images of vehicles corresponding to the sort of driving license. For example, SIM card C, intended for motorcycle drivers, now accommodates a picture of a bike with the outline “Motorcycles <= 250cc". Meanwhile, SIM card A, intended for automotive drivers, displays a picture of a automotive with the label "Personal passenger automotive/Personal goods".
The latest format also includes licence holder details in English, comparable to name, place and date of birth, blood type, occupation and address, making it easier to discover by authorities abroad.
In addition, the SIM card number will now match the National Identification Number (NIK) found on the National Identification Card (KTP). As a result, each SIM A and SIM C holders can have the identical number as their NIK.
Valid from next yr
The latest SIM card format will likely be fully implemented in Indonesia and Southeast Asian countries from July next yr. Indonesian SIM cards are recognized in several Southeast Asian countries under a regional agreement called the “Agreement on the Recognition of National Driving Licenses” which was signed on September 7, 1985 in Kuala Lumpur.
The license is recognized in various ASEAN countries, including Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Singapore. However, in Singapore, the Indonesian SIM card is barely valid for 12 months from arrival; after that, drivers must obtain a Singaporean license.
In Malaysia, an Indonesian SIM card is barely valid if the motive force also has an lively International Driving Permit. Alternatively, drivers can apply for a Malaysian driving license.
