SKCK & Apostille: Get It Right the First Time!

Before you rush to the nearest police station thinking an SKCK is only one Go-Send cost away let’s set the record straight. If you need your SKCK for international use, there’s a process you must follow—because not all SKCKs are created equal! If you don’t want to waste time and money, keep reading.

What Is an SKCK & Why Are There Different Levels?

An SKCK (Surat Keterangan Catatan Kepolisian) is an official police clearance certificate that states whether you have any criminal record. However, not all SKCKs are the same, and the issuing police level matters depending on your purpose.

🔹 SKCK from Polsek (Sector Police Station) → Local Level

Used for local purposes, such as job applications within the same district.
Cannot be apostilled directly. If you need it for international use, you’ll have to get it legalized at higher police levels first.

🔹 SKCK from Polres (Resort Police Station) → City Level

Commonly used for national-level job applications or other requirements that extend beyond a district.
Still cannot be apostilled directly! It needs further legalization at Mabes Polri (Indonesian National Police Headquarters) first.

🔹 SKCK from Polda (Regional Police Headquarters) → Provincial Level

Usually required for higher-level applications, such as government positions or business permits at the provincial level.
Also needs legalization at Mabes Polri before you can proceed with apostille.

🔹 SKCK from Mabes Polri (Indonesian National Police HQ) → National & International Level

This is the only SKCK that can be used directly for international purposes, such as visa application, immigration, and study abroad.
✅ Can be apostilled immediately without any additional legalization steps. 🎉

How Does the SKCK Apostille Process Work?

If your SKCK is for international use, it must go through the apostille process to be officially recognized abroad. But be careful! Not all SKCKs can be apostilled immediately.

🔹 If your SKCK was issued by Polsek, Polres, or Polda → It must first be legalized at Mabes Polri.

🔹 If your SKCK was issued by Mabes Polri → It can be apostilled directly at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights (Kemenkumham)

So, if you want to save time and avoid extra costs, get your SKCK directly from Mabes Polri instead of applying at lower-level police stations. Otherwise, you’ll have to go through additional legalization steps before apostille—which means more paperwork, more waiting, and possibly higher fees.

How to Avoid a Complicated SKCK Process?

✔ Know what you need your SKCK for. If it’s only for local purposes, an SKCK from Polsek or Polres might be enough. But if it’s for visa or immigration, you must get an SKCK from Mabes Polri to avoid extra legalization steps.

✔ Don’t make the mistake of applying at the wrong police level. If your SKCK isn’t from Mabes Polri, you’ll still need to legalize it at Mabes before apostille—which means extra time and money.

✔ Need an SKCK from Mabes Polri? I can help! SKCKs issued by Mabes Polri can go straight to apostille without any additional legalization. It’s the fastest and most efficient way to get your document ready for international use.

Still confused or need assistance? Just reach out! Don’t fall into the trap of “penny wise, pound foolish” when dealing with bureaucracy.