Sosialisasi UU No.6 Tahun 2011

JAKARTA – Pada tanggal 5 Mei 2011 silam, telah disahkan UU Keimigrasian baru yaitu UU No.6 Tahun 2011 Tentang Keimigrasian, menggantikan UU No.9 Tahun 1992. Adapun UU baru tersebut merupakan penyempurnaan dari UU sebelumnya, dimana terdapat beberapa penambahan aturan-aturan yang salah satunya adalah aturan mengenai teknologi informasi. Untuk itu, dalam rangka Sosialisasi UU No.6 Tahun 2011 tentang Keimigrasian pada Direktorat Jenderal Imigrasi, khususnya di Direktorat Sistem dan Teknologi Informasi Keimigrasian, maka Direktorat Jenderal Imigrasi mengadakan dialog interaktif dengan RRI Pro 3 FM pada tanggal 30 Juni 2011 pukul 17.00 WIB. Hadir menjadi narasumber dalam dialog interaktif tersebut Bapak Erwin Aziz, SH., MH, Direktur Sistem dan Teknologi Informasi Keimigrasian.

Dalam kesempatan tersebut, Bapak Erwin Aziz mengungkapkan bahwa pertimbangan yang mendasari terjadinya perubahan UU Keimigrasian tersebut antara lain: letak geografis wilayah Indonesia yang terpisah-pisah dan terdiri dari beberapa kepulauan, yang hanya dapat dihubungkan dengan teknologi informasi; Ratifikasi Perjanjian Internasional atau Konvensi Internasional khususnya dalam mencegah kejahatan internasional dan transnasional; dan perkembangan teknologi informasi dan komunikasi yang semakin pesat, dimana apabila kita tidak menggunakan sistem teknologi informasi dan komunikasi maka kita akan tertinggal dengan negara-negara lain di dunia. Selain itu, Upaya peningkatan pelayanan Keimigrasian dan efektifitas penegakan hukum Keimigrasian, serta perkembangan regulasi seperti regulasi mengenai kewarganegaraan RI juga ikut menjadi pertimbangan terhadap perubahan UU Keimigrasian tersebut.

Adapun hal-hal yang terkait dengan Sistem Informasi Manajemen Keimigrasian (SIMKIM) dalam UU Keimigrasian yang baru tersebut, terdapat dalam pasal-pasal seperti:

1. Pasal 1 mengenai pengertian Sistem Informasi Manajemen Keimigrasian (SIMKIM);
2. Pasal 7 mengenai pengelolaan SIMKIM;
3. Pasal 18 mengenai pemberitahuan data penumpang alat angkut melalui SIMKIM;
4. Pasal 67 dan 68 mengenai pengawasan Keimigrasian warganegara Indonesia dan warganegara asing yang harus dimasukkan dalam SIMKIM;
5. Pasal 70 mengenai pengumpulan dan pengolahan data Keimigrasian;
6. Pasal 94 dan 100 mengenai pemasukan data pencegahan dan penangkalan melalui SIMKIM;
7. Pasal 133 mengenai hukuman pidana bagi para petugas/pejabat Imigrasi yang tidak menjalankan SIMKIM dengan baik dan benar

UNDANG-UNDANG REPUBLIK INDONESIA NOMOR 6 TAHUN 2011 TENTANG KEIMIGRASIAN

UNDANG-UNDANG REPUBLIK INDONESIA

NOMOR 6 TAHUN 2011

TENTANG

KEIMIGRASIAN

DENGAN RAHMAT TUHAN YANG MAHA ESA

PRESIDEN REPUBLIK INDONESIA,

Menimbang  :  a.   bahwa Keimigrasian merupakan bagian dari perwujudan pelaksanaan penegakan kedaulatan atas Wilayah Indonesia dalam rangka menjaga ketertiban kehidupan berbangsa dan bernegara menuju masyarakat yang adil dan makmur berdasarkan Pancasila dan Undang-Undang Dasar Negara Republik Indonesia Tahun 1945;

b.   bahwa perkembangan global dewasa ini mendorong meningkatnya mobilitas penduduk dunia yang menimbulkan berbagai dampak, baik yang menguntungkan maupun yang merugikan kepentingan dan kehidupan bangsa dan negara Republik Indonesia, sehingga diperlukan peraturan perundang-undangan yang menjamin kepastian hukum yang sejalan dengan penghormatan, pelindungan, dan pemajuan hak asasi manusia;

c.   bahwa Undang-Undang Nomor 9 Tahun 1992 tentang Keimigrasian sudah tidak memadai lagi untuk memenuhi berbagai perkembangan kebutuhan pengaturan, pelayanan, dan pengawasan di bidang Keimigrasian sehingga perlu dicabut dan diganti dengan undang-undang baru yang lebih komprehensif serta mampu menjawab tantangan yang ada;

d.   bahwa berdasarkan pertimbangan sebagaimana dimaksud dalam huruf a, huruf b, dan huruf c perlu membentuk Undang-Undang tentang Keimigrasian;

Mengingat     : Pasal 5 ayat (1), Pasal 20, Pasal 26 ayat (2), dan Pasal 28E ayat (1) Undang-Undang Dasar Negara Republik Indonesia Tahun 1945;

Dengan Persetujuan Bersama

DEWAN PERWAKILAN RAKYAT REPUBLIK INDONESIA

dan

PRESIDEN REPUBLIK INDONESIA

MEMUTUSKAN:

Menetapkan  :  UNDANG-UNDANG TENTANG KEIMIGRASIAN.

BAB I

KETENTUAN UMUM

Pasal 1

Dalam Undang-Undang ini yang dimaksud dengan:

1.   Keimigrasian adalah hal ihwal lalu lintas orang yang masuk atau keluar Wilayah Indonesia serta pengawasannya dalam rangka menjaga tegaknya kedaulatan negara.

2.   Wilayah Negara Republik Indonesia yang selanjutnya disebut Wilayah Indonesia adalah seluruh wilayah Indonesia serta zona tertentu yang ditetapkan berdasarkan undang-undang.

3.   Fungsi Keimigrasian adalah bagian dari urusan pemerintahan negara dalam memberikan pelayanan Keimigrasian, penegakan hukum, keamanan negara, dan fasilitator pembangunan kesejahteraan masyarakat.

4.   Menteri adalah menteri yang menyelenggarakan urusan pemerintahan di bidang hukum dan hak asasi manusia.

5.   Direktur Jenderal adalah Direktur Jenderal Imigrasi.

6.   Direktorat Jenderal Imigrasi adalah unsur pelaksana tugas dan fungsi Kementerian Hukum dan Hak Asasi Manusia di bidang Keimigrasian.

7.   Pejabat Imigrasi adalah pegawai yang telah melalui pendidikan khusus Keimigrasian dan memiliki keahlian teknis Keimigrasian serta memiliki wewenang untuk melaksanakan tugas dan tanggung jawab berdasarkan Undang-Undang ini.

8.   Penyidik Pegawai Negeri Sipil Keimigrasian yang selanjutnya disebut dengan PPNS Keimigrasian adalah Pejabat Imigrasi yang diberi wewenang oleh undang-undang untuk melakukan penyidikan tindak pidana Keimigrasian.

9.   Orang Asing adalah orang yang bukan warga Negara Indonesia.

Peraturan Menteri Dalam Negeri No. 12 Tahun 2010

PERATURAN MENTERI DALAM NEGERI NOMOR 12 TAHUN 2010, TENTANG

PEDOMAN PENCATATAN PERKAWINAN DAN PELAPORAN AKTA YANG DITERBITKAN OLEH NEGARA LAIN

Menimbang  : 

Bahwa untuk melaksanakan tertib administrasi kependudukan terhadap pelaporan dan pencatatan peristiwa penting sebagaimana dimaksud dalam Pasal 3, Pasal 4, Pasal 34 ayat (1), dan Pasal 35 Undang-Undang Nomor 23 Tahun 2006 tentang Administrasi Kependudukan, perlu menetapkan Peraturan Menteri Dalam Negeri tentang Pedoman Pencatatan Perkawinan dan Pelaporan Akta yang Diterbitkan oleh Negara Lain;

Mengingat : 

1. Undang-Undang Nomor 1 Tahun 1974 tentang Perkawinan (Lembaran Negara Republik Indonesia Tahun 1974 Nomor 1, Tambahan Lembaran Negara Republik Indonesia Nomor 3019);
2. Undang-Undang Nomor 32 Tahun 2004 tentang Pemerintahan Daerah (Lembaran Negara Republik Indonesia Tahun 2004 Nomor 125, Tambahan Lembaran Negara Republik Indonesia Nomor 4437) sebagaimana telah diubah beberapa kali terakhsr dengan Undang-Undang Nomor 12 Tahun 2008 tontang Perubahan Kedua Atas Undang-Undang Nomor 32 Tahun 2004 tentang Pemerintahan Daerah (Lembaran Negara Republik Indonesia Tahun 2008 Nomor 59, Tambahan Lembaran Negara Republik Indonesia Nomor 4844);
3. Undang-Undang Nomor 23 Tahun 2006 tentang Administrasi Kependudukan (Lembaran Negara Republik Indonesia Tahun 2006 Nomor 124, Tambahan Lembaran Negara Repubiik Indonesia Nomor 4674);
4. Undang-Undang Nomor 39 Tahun 2008 tentang Kementerian Negara (Lembaran Negara Republik Indonesia Tahun 2008 Nomor 166, Tambahan Lembaran Negara Republik Indonesia Nomor 4916);
5. Peraturan Pemerintah Nomor 9 Tahun 1975 tentangPeraturan Pelaksanaan Undang-Undang Nomor 1 Tahun 1974 tentang Perkawinan (Lembaran Negara Republik Indonesia Tahun 1975 Nomor 12, Tambahan Lembaran Negara Republik Indonesia Nomor 3050);
6. Peraturan Pemerintah Nomor 37 Tahun 2007 tentang Pelaksanaan Undang-Undang Nomor 23 Tahun 2006 tentang Administrasi Kependudukan (Lembaran Negara Republik Indonesia Tahun 2006 Nomor 124, Tambahan Lembaran Negara Republik Indonesia Nomor 4674);
7. Peraturan Pemerintah Nomor 38 Tahun 2007 tentang Pembagian Urusan Pemerintahan Antara Pemerintah, Pemerintahan Daerah Provinsi, dan Pemerintahan Daerah Kabupaten/Kota (Lembaran Negara Republik Indonesia Tahun 2007 Nomor 82, Tambahan Lembaran Negara Republik Indonesia Nomor 4737);
8. Peraturan Presiden Nomor 25 Tahun 2008 tentang Persyaratan dan Tata Cara Pendaftaran Penduduk dan Pencatatan Sipil;

MEMUTUSKAN

Menetapkan : PERATURAN MENTERI DALAM NEGERI TENTANG PEDOMAN PENCATATAN PERKAWINAN DAN PELAPORAN AKTA YANG DITERBITKAN OLEH NEGARA LAIN.

BAB I  :  KETENTUAN UMUM

Pasal 1

Dalam Peraturan Menteri ini, yang dimaksud dengan:

1. Administrasi Kependudukan adalah rangkaian kegiatan penataan dan penertiban dalam penerbitan dokumen dan Data Kependudukan melalui Pendaftaran Penduduk Pencatatan Sipil, Pengelolaan Informasi Administrasi Kependudukan serta pendayagunaan hasilnya untuk pelayanan publik dan pembangunan sektor lain.
2. Penduduk adalah Warga Negara Indonesia dan Orang Asing yang bertempat tinggal di Indonesia.
3. Perkawinan adalah ikatan lahir batin antara seorang pria dengan seorang wanita sebagai suami istri dengan tujuan membentuk keluarga (rumah tangga) yang bahagia dan kekal berdasarkan Ketuhanan Yang Maha Esa.
4. Pencatatan Sipil adalah Pencatatan Peristiwa Penting yang dialami oleh seseorang dalam register Pencatatan Sipil pada Instansi Pelaksana.
5. Pelaporan Perkawinan Melampaui Batas Waktu adalah pelaporan perkawinan yang sah berdasarkan peraturan perundang-undangan yang melampaui 60 (enam puluh) hari sejak tanggal perkawinan.
6. Unit Pelaksana Teknis Dinas Instansi Pelaksana, selanjutnya disingkat UPTD Kependudukan dan Pencatatan Sipil, adalah satuan kerja di tingkat kecamatan yang melaksanakan pelayanan Pencatatan Sipil dengan kewenangan menerbitkan akta.

*Mixed Marriages - Indonesians and Expatriates*

There are many married couples in Indonesia where either the wife or husband is a foreigner and the spouse is Indonesian. Indonesian government regulations do NOT treat these two circumstances in the same manner. Almost all the regulations that apply to foreign wives of Indonesian men are very different than those that apply to foreign husbands of Indonesian women, few similarities can be found between the two circumstances. We will attempt to touch on our understanding some of the pertinent regulations that affect the lives of people in these marriages. Be forewarned that there is GREAT leeway in the regulations. Some people find that they can wind their ways through their document needs in Indonesian officialdom with paying few bribes ... but most will utilize the Indonesian spouse's family connections, and/or facilitating payments, to lessen the trials. The basis for the difference in treatment seems to be related to the issue of working. Foreign wives of Indonesian husbands are assumed by the Indonesian government to be housewives and mothers. Foreign husbands of Indonesian women are assumed to be looking for a job. The Indonesian government treats these two cases very differently. Foreign wives can easily enter Indonesia under an ikut suami status, these women are assumed to be 'following their husbands'. The vital document for this status is the marriage certificate. Foreign husbands, on the other hand, must obtain a sponsor and work permit before they are issued a visa to reside in Indonesia. They are treated in the same manner as any other foreigner who wants to come to Indonesia to work. Differences in the strictness of the application of the law also depend on who you are speaking to in a government office, some officers being more accommodating than others, as well as which sub branch government office you are dealing with. To put it simply ... regulations are not applied equally for all. Getting Married in Indonesia

*The Validity of Marriage*

Unlike other countries, Indonesian law has no provision for non-religious civil marriages. The validity of marriage is governed by the Marriage Law of 1974 which took affect in 2nd January 1974. The mixed-marriage couple needs to pay attention to the legal issues surrounding their union. If something unforeseen happens down the line, lack of legal requirements in your marriage will put you into an unfavorable condition. If the law doesn’t recognize your marriage, you are considered to be not marriage at all. This lack of a legal status will affect your divorce, division of marital properties, alimony, and child custody.

Religious Marriages

Indonesia’s 1974 Marriage Law stipulates that marriage can be legally recognized if it is performed according to the religion of the two parties. In Indonesia religion is the main issue in marriage. Marriages between different religions is not allowed in Indonesia. Both spouses must have the same religion in order to get marry legally.

Once you have made the decision to marry in Indonesia, you must choose the type of religious ceremony that you intend to have. For Non-Moslems, you must hold a church (or temple) ceremony first, and then record the marriage with the Civil Registry Office. The couple will experience two types of ceremonies. The religious ceremony will be performed first, followed by a civil ceremony. The Civil Registry will in turn issue a Marriage Certificate, which is evidence that you are legally married. A Non-Moslem wedding which is not recorded with the Civil Registry is not considered legal. There will be two certificates presented at the end of ceremony, one from the church/temple, and one from the Civil Registry Office.

If you have decided the marry in a Moslem ceremony, you must register your marriage at the local Office of Religious Affairs (Kantor Urusan Agama/KUA). Persons wedded in a Moslem ceremony are issued a Marriage Book and need not record their marriage with Civil Registry Office.

Civil Weddings

Considering that Indonesian law has no provision for non-religious civil marriages, the couple who wishes to perform a civil wedding should provide the religious marriage certificate first (i.e. Certificate of Marriage Solemnization), which means that they have completed the religious marriage in their country. Some foreign tourists who get married while on their vacation/honeymoon in Indonesia, choose this route.

International Recognition

Mixed-marriage couples married in Indonesia should pay attention to this issue, especially if they have married in Moslem ceremony. The Moslem Marriage Book is NOT accepted in several countries - for example, Netherlands. The immigration regulations in the Netherlands require a Certificate of Attestation from the Indonesian Civil Registry Office. This is the certificate that show that the marriage has been registered with the Indonesian Civil Registry Office in order to register at the Civil Registry Office in the Netherlands. You need to submit supporting documents such as your passports, visa, marriage books, and photographs (with groom on the right side).

*Legal advice for expats planning to marry in Indonesia: Pre Nuptial and Post Nuptial Agreements*

By Wijaya & Co Law Firm

Most people think of marriage as the ultimate emotional and spiritual bond. They are looking to a life of happiness. However, when faced with negotiating a premarital agreement, they realize that not only do they have to decide what will happen to them when they divorce or die, but thay they also have to negotiate these issues with their fiance(e). It's just not what people are thinking about when they are getting married.

If you are foreign nationality and plan to marry an Indonesian spouse, you need to get a prenuptial agreement. Considering foreigners are not allowed to have a property in Indonesia, and if you wish to take the quite sensible precaution of a prenuptial agreement for the purpose of protecting yourself and your properties in the event that one of you dies, a prenuptial agreement is a must-have choice. The Indonesian government can, by law, take virtually everything away from the grieving party because they did not create such a protective document PRIOR to marriage.

To avoid this trouble, it would be prudent to draft a prenuptial agreement complying with the Indonesian laws to ensure that your financial interest(s) will be up-held by the Indonesia court. As one of the Indonesian legal services working for family law cases, especially mixed-marriage cases, we will walk you through the proper procedures how the prenuptial agreement incorporated in Indonesia.

Legal Aspects

The 1974 Indonesian Marriage Law has a very simple provision of prenuptial agreement compared to the ancient Dutch Law, Civil Code. The law governing the prenuptial agreement only consist of one article. It stipulates that the agreement should be made prior to marriage.

The agreement should be legalized by the marriage registry office. Civil Registry Office for Non-Moslem, and Office of Religious Affairs for Moslem.

Both parties are free to determine the form of law, as long as abiding the law, religion, and moral consideration. The provision are indeed very general. The legislatures seem to let it so in order to make it flexible with the development of the religion, moral, and public order.

Other provision stipulates that the agreement can not be amended during marriage, except upon approval of both parties and do not cause disavantage to any third party.

Person in Need of a Prenup

*How to register births and deaths in Indonesia for foreigners*

Births in Indonesia

First Time Indian Passport/Consular Birth Registration

*) Birth outside India should be registered at the relevant Indian Embassy or Consulate. Birth registration is not compulsory, but The Embassy or Consulate recommends it.

*) Births in Indonesia must be registered with the relevant Indonesian Civil Registry Office (Kantor Catatan Sipil) within 14 days of the birth.  Births not registered within this time frame have to be registered through the Indonesian Court.

An Indian style birth certificate is available as proof of identity and proof of nationality.

A record of the birth will afterward be held at the General Register Office in India.


Please refer to the Consular Fees Table for registration plus one certified copy of the entry  payable in Rupiah cash at the Consular Rate of Exchange.  Additional copies of the entry can be obtained at a cost (read the Consular Fees Table), payable in Indonesian Rupiah.

Before processing an application to register a child's birth, the Embassy or Consulate need to see evidence of the child's nationality status. Original documents are required (all documents will be returned to you when the application has been processed, parents passports will be returned day of application). Photocopies are not acceptable in any circumstances. The Embassy or Consulate require certified translations (ie official translations from a translation bureau) of any document(s) not in English. The Embassy or Consulate needs to see:

1. Child's official birth certificate, issued by the local Civil Registrar (Kantor Catatan Sipil). The Embassy or Consulate will follow the names as they appear on the local document.
2. Documentary evidence of father and/or mother's nationality status: Indian full-length birth certificate (*); or naturalization or registration certificate.
3. Parents' marriage certificate and evidence that any previous marriages of the parents have been dissolved i.e divorce or death certificate as appropriate.
4. Both parents' passports.

*If you need lawyer in Indonesia*

List of some practising lawyers, notaries & law firms in Indonesia:

(*) Denotes lawyers dealing in criminal/civil litigation
(A) Denotes the legal firm employs an "Advocate"

Jakarta

Makarim & Taira S (A)
Address:
Summitmas I, 16-17th fl
Jl Jend. Sudirman Kav. 61-62
Jakarta 12190
Tel:  252 1272, 520 0001
Fax:  252 2750, 252 2751
Email : makarim&tairas@makarim.com 
Website : www.makarim.com

(Specialising in all types of business transactions, international trade, corporate, foreign investment, oil and gas, mining, banking and finance, capital markets and securities, telecommunications, intellectual property, property, construction and environmental law). UK qualified consultant: Richard Cornwallis (richard.cornwallis@makarim.com)

Languages: Indonesian, English, French, German.

*How to legalise a document in Indonesia*

The Indian Embassy in Jakarta and Indian Consulate General in Medan and Bali cannot legalise any documents regardless of whether or not they originate from India. Documents originating from India can only be legalised by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)’s Legalisation Office in New Delhi. Information on procedures can be found from the FCO website at: www.mea.nic.in .

However, the Indian Embassy Jakarta and Indian Consulate General Medan and Bali can legalise the signatures of Sworn Translators, Notary Public and certain officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia (Departemen Luar Negeri). List of Sworn Translators and Notary Public are as follows :

List of notary public:

*How to marry in Indonesia for foreigners*

General Guidance on Marriage Formalities in Indonesia:

*Note: this information is for the convenience of enquirers and is subject to change without notice by the Indonesian authorities.

General Criteria under the Indonesian Marriage law of 1 October 1974, a marriage may only be contracted if the man has reached the age of 19, and the woman of the age of 16:

• If a person has not reached the age of 21, the consent of both his (or her) parents is required;
• If one of the parents has died or is incapable of stating his (or her) will, the consent of only one parent is required. If both parents are deceased or are incapable, consent can be obtained from either the guardian or a close family relative or friend;  
• For a Muslim woman whose previous marriage has been dissolved, there should be a waiting period of 100 days before a second marriage can be contracted; 
• Anyone planning to marry in Indonesia must give notice of their intention to the Registrar of Marriages (Kantor Catatan Sipil (Civil Registry Offices ) or Kantor Urusan Agama) in the district where the marriage is to be performed – at least 10 working days prior to the marriage; 
• Two witnesses are required; 
• A letter of no objection to marriage ("NO OBJECTION CERTIFICATE") must be obtained from the Embassy or Consulate General of the foreign national concerned for presentation to the district Civil Registry Office (Kantor Catatan Sipil or Kantor Urusan Agama) before the wedding. See Address of Indian Embassy and Indian Consulate in Indonesia here.

Documents required by the Indonesian authorities:

The following documents (original only) must be produced to the Indonesian authorities by the parties contracting the marriage:

*General tips travelling to Indonesia*

0eneral tips travelling to Indonesia

The following general tips on laws and customs can help you stay out of trouble while you are abroad.

Obey the law

• Find out about local laws and customs;
• There may be very serious penalties for breaking a law which might seem trivial to you or for doing something which may not be illegal in India or your origin country;
• Do not overstay your visa or work illegally – you may be fined or sent to prison;
• Hobbies that involve using cameras and binoculars, such as bird watching or plane spotting, may be misunderstood (particularly near military sites). If in doubt, don’t do it.

Drugs

• Be aware of what may happen if you become involved with drugs overseas. Not only are there health risks, but there may also be severe penalties for any association with drugs;
• Never carry packages through customs for other people and be cautious about accepting gifts;
• Pack your own baggage, fasten it securely and do not leave it unattended;
• If you are driving, do not lend your vehicle to other people and do not sit in someone else’s vehicle when going through customs or crossing borders – get out and walk.

Alcohol

• Be aware of local attitudes to alcohol and know your own limit. Remember that drinks served overseas are often stronger than those served in India or your origin country;
• Keep your drinks with you at all times as drinks can be spiked with drugs to make you more vulnerable to assault or rape;
• Be aware that accidents are more likely to happen after drinking alcohol or taking drugs. Avoid swimming or fooling around on balconies or other high places. If you have an accident or injure yourself while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it is unlikely that your insurance policy will cover you.

Driving

• Never drink and drive;
• If you are planning to drive, make sure your Indian and international driving licence is current and valid;
• Make sure you know the driving laws, licence requirements and driving conditions in the country you are visiting;
• In some countries including Indonesia you will need to have an international driving permit as well as your Indian driving licence;
• Be aware that in many countries there are on-the-spot fines for traffic offences.

Security

• Be aware of security and take sensible precautions;
• Leave your jewellery and valuables at home if you can. Only carry as much money as you need for the day. Leave the rest, and at least one credit card, in the hotel safe if one is available;
• Keep copies of your passport, insurance details and other important travel documents separate from the originals. It is useful to always have some form of identity on you, such as a driving licence or a photocopy of your passport;
• Stay aware of what is going on around you and keep away from situations where you do not feel comfortable;
• Find out from your guidebook or tour guide about any local scams;
• Keep up to date with local and regional events in the media;
• Don’t take risks on holidays that you wouldn’t take at home. If a situation looks dangerous, it probably is.

Major catastrophes

• Some catastrophes have advance warning, such as hurricanes. If you have any warning, contact family and friends to let them know your plans;
• Do this even if you are not near the area – remember family and friends will not know exactly where you are but they will worry if they think you are in potential danger;
• If you are living overseas, you should also tell neighbours your plans. This helps us to confirm quickly if you are safe, allowing us to concentrate on offering support to those most in need after any catastrophe;
• It may take some time to get help to you if the infrastructure has been affected by the catastrophe (for example, if telephone lines are down, roads inaccessible or bridges have collapsed). Access may also be impossible if the local authorities have sealed off the area where you are.

Money & Credit Cards

• Only carry as much money as you need for the day. Leave the rest, and at least one credit card, in the hotel safe if one is available;
• Take enough money for your trip and some back-up funds, such as traveller’s cheques, some cash (euro or US dollars) or credit cards;
• Before you leave, check that your cards are valid, and find out how you can replace them and your traveller’s cheques if they are lost or stolen. Keep a separate note of their numbers and of the number you would need to ring to stop any credit cards if they are lost or stolen.

Travel documents

• Keep your passport in the hotel safe and carry a photocopy with you;
• Keep your travel tickets in a safe place.

If you have anything stolen

• If your money, passport or anything else is stolen abroad, report it to the local police immediately and get a statement about the loss (you will need one to claim against your insurance);
• You will need to cancel any credit cards or traveller’s cheques. You may also want to have money transferred to you either by your bank or by a relative using a reliable money transfer company. Our staff can give you information about this if you need it.

Lost or stolen passports

• If your passport is lost or stolen abroad and you urgently need to travel, we can issue a replacement travel document once we are satisfied of your identity and that you are an Indian national. You will need to produce a police report, fill in an application form and pay a fee;
• Depending on the country you are in and the circumstances, the emergency travel document may be: - an emergency passport, which is valid for a single journey with no journeys through third countries; - a temporary one-year passport (not available in all of our offices); or - a standard passport.

To issue a passport, we need to make checks, which may take time and could mean you have to delay your travel arrangements;

• If our staff have to issue an emergency travel document outside normal office hours, you will have to pay an extra fee. Before making any arrangements with our staff, consider whether you also need an exit visa from the local immigration authorities as some countries do not issue these visas outside normal office hours or at weekends.

Respect the local Environment

• Help to protect local wildlife and habitats by respecting rules and regulations (including how to get rid of rubbish properly);
• Be aware that buying any wildlife products is risky. Customs departments throughout the world confiscate illegal souvenirs, and in India or your origin country you could face a criminal prosecution and fines;
• Check that what you are bringing back to India or your origin country is legal. You can get more information on bringing back meat, animal products or plants from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs concerned. You can get information about banned and restricted goods, and your customs allowances, from Indonesian Customs.

Cultural Awareness

• Buy a good travel guide that includes basic information on local laws and customs;
• Respect local customs and behave and dress appropriately, particularly when visiting religious sites, markets and rural communities;
• Travel guidebooks, tour operators and hotel staff are all useful sources of information;
• In some places, behaviour that would be acceptable elsewhere can lead to serious trouble.
• In some countries, it can also be worth asking for permission before taking any photographs so as not to cause offence.