The following information is obtained from ARRL's webpage on reciprocal
licensing in Indonesia. Information has been updated to reflect the most current condition in Bali.
All foreigners must have a valid one year residence permit in Indonesia before they are eligible to apply for an Indonesian license. After Japan and the United States, Indonesia has the third largest number of Amateur Radio licensees in the world. However, they are rarely heard from the outside world since only the two highest classes (Intermediate and Advanced) are legally allowed to make DX/International contacts.
There are a total of three categories of licenses, however, only two are relevant to reciprocal licensing:
- Penggalang (Intermediate) This class, with a YC/YF prefix, permits operation with 150 watts on all bands
except the WARC bands and 20 meters. This license can be issued to holders of the American Technician +
Class license.
- Penegak (Advanced) This class license, with a YB/YE prefix, permits operation on all bands with 500 watts
below 30 MHz and 180 watts above 30 MHz. It will be issued to holders of American General Class and above
licenses.
The 3 letter suffix block for callsigns to be issued to expatriate operators is from AQA to AZZ. Foreign operators cannot operate with his home callsign "portable" in Indonesia. As guests of the country, expatriates should never abuse the privileges which reciprocal licensing offers them.
Application Procedure
While the actual Amateur Radio license is in both Indonesian and English languages, all application forms are in
Indonesian language only. It is mandatory that the expatriate amateur be accompanied by a translator to review
the forms with an ORARI officer and to ascertain exactly what information and supporting documents are
needed.
The expatriate amateur must also submit photocopies of their home country license and copies of the photo/
signature pages and visa pages showing the residence permit, and entry/exit permit, if applicable, in their
passport. Eleven unmounted 2x3 cm black and white passport type photos must also accompany the application
packet. It is recommended that the expatriate procure the negative for this photo as photos are needed on many
application/registration forms in the country).
The ORARI office may request a letter from the expatriate's client or sponsor in support of the application. This
is especially applicable if the expatriate's residence permit is due to expire a few months after the date of
application. The letter will certify that the applicant will be remaining on site for a longer period and also imply
that the residence permit will be renewed.
The ORARI office will also determine how many copies of the application packet must be submitted with the
original forms.
Payment of license fees can be done at the ORARI office. The breakdown of fees are as follow:
- ORARI Local (amount varies by districts)
- Provincial ORARI Office
- Regional Office of the Telecommunication Service
Total Fees are in the range of Rp. 350,000.00 (approx. $35 US, as of February 2006)
The license is valid for 12 months, however, as that period seems to start with the date of application, the expatriate
amateur will be able to use the initial license for about 9 months. License renewals must be submitted 3 months prior to expiration of the existing license. The station may remain in operation while the renewal is being processed -- even beyond the expiration of the old license.
Recommended Action for Licensing Outside the Province of Bali
No directory of ORARI office addresses is generally available but the Central ORARI in Jakarta is a good place to start. The recommended initial action that the expatriate amateur can take after arriving at their new domicile is to take note of the radio antennas that dot the skyline in every community. While most of these antennas are 2 meter arrays it is best if an amateur displaying a HF beam can be located for assistance. It is customary that the local amateur's callsign will be displayed on the front of their house. (A word of caution: There are illegal stations being operated in certain areas without respect to the laws. Select a house with an antenna installation as well as a displayed callsign).
While the local YB amateurs should be able to speak English, some may not so it is best to be accompanied by a
translator. The local amateur should prove quite willing to direct the expatriate to the appropriate ORARI office.
Once the expatriate amateur has moved into a home and obtained their residence permit, they are eligible to
apply for an Indonesian Amateur Radio license. Be advised that out in the provinces it will take about 3 months
for the license to be processed and issued; the process may be more expedient in Jakarta.