Coping with loss in Indonesia

Retrieving the belongings of a deceased loved one in Indonesia involves several steps and considerations. Here are some guidelines to assist in this process:

1. Contact the Authorities: The first step is to contact the local authorities, such as the police or the village chief, to report the death and obtain a death certificate. This document will be necessary for various administrative procedures.

2. Locate the Will: If the deceased had a will, it is important to locate the document and determine if it has been registered with the appropriate authorities. The will may outline the distribution of the deceased's belongings and assets.

3. Seek Legal Assistance: Engage the services of a lawyer or legal advisor who is familiar with Indonesian inheritance laws. They can provide guidance on the legal process, including the recognition and execution of the will, if applicable.

4. Notify Relevant Institutions: Inform banks, insurance companies, and other relevant institutions about the death of your loved one. This will facilitate the transfer of assets and the settlement of any outstanding accounts.

5. Consult with Family Members: It is important to communicate with other family members to discuss the distribution of belongings and assets, especially if there is no will or if there are disputes regarding the will's validity.

Resources and Specialized Institutions:

- Legal Firms: There are law firms and legal advisors in Indonesia that specialize in inheritance and estate matters. They can offer legal representation and guidance throughout the process.

- Notaries: Notaries can assist in the drafting and execution of wills, as well as in the authentication of legal documents related to the deceased's estate.

Recognition of a Will:

In Indonesia, the recognition and execution of a will are subject to Indonesian inheritance laws. It is essential to ensure that the will complies with local regulations and is properly registered to be recognized and respected. Differences in legislation between Indonesia and other countries may pose challenges, and legal advice should be sought to address these issues.

Notification of Death:

The immediate family members and close relatives should be informed first of the death of a loved one in Indonesia. Effective communication channels for notifying relatives and institutions may include direct phone calls, in-person visits, and official written notifications.

Dependent Visas:

In the event of the visa holder's death, dependent visas, such as those for spouses and children, may be affected. It is important to contact the immigration authorities to address the situation and seek guidance on the necessary steps to transfer or adjust the dependent visas.

It is important to note that the process of retrieving belongings and addressing legal matters following the death of a loved one in Indonesia can be complex and emotionally challenging. Seeking professional assistance and legal guidance is highly recommended to navigate this process effectively.

    Hello everyone,

Managing or preparing for a death in Indonesia is a complex process that requires a thorough understanding of the laws and procedures in place in Indonesia.

This situation raises several questions:

What are the steps to take to retrieve the belongings of a deceased loved one in Indonesia?

What are the resources or specialised institutions available to assist in this process? What types of services can they offer in this context?

In the case of a will, how can one ensure that it is recognised and respected in Indonesia? What challenges arise from differences in legislation?

Who should be informed first of the death of a loved one in Indonesia? What are the most effective communication channels for notifying relatives and institutions?

What are the implications for dependent visas, such as those for spouses and children, when the visa holder passes away in Indonesia? What steps need to be taken to address this situation?

Please feel free to share any information you find useful and your experiences on this topic.

Thank you for your contribution.
The Expat.com Team
   

    -@Cheryl

Hi

Maybe I'll share a little information according to what I know.

The first thing, in Indonesia, the most basic thing regarding death is the issuance of a death statement (Surat Kematian).  This will be easy if you are close to RT (Rukun Tetangga) / RW (Rukun Warga).  Because currently most RT / RW parties have facilitated matters related to the death of residents, up to their graves.  This is indicated by the existence of citizen contributions.  Please check the environment where you live.  Regarding the death certificate, it will be issued by the sub-district office (KELURAHAN).  This letter is the basic basis for authorizing the taking of property.  Meanwhile, will be more legal if it is made at least by a notary.  But lawyers should also be able to.  Apart from that, regarding taking property, a notary can also usually help.  Note that the heirs must bring evidence, for example a will, data on the deceased and heirs, a death certificate (which I explained at the beginning).  Because if there is none of that, the notary is right.  Wouldn't dare to seek legal assistance.

Apart from that, as far as I know, for foreign citizens there will be funding activities from their respective embassies.  Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Another thing, sorry I don't know.

Hello everyone,

Thank you for your insights on the topic. It will surely help members searching for info.

I would just like to remind members that we are looking for members' experiences as posted by Ryan. Chatgpt can offer some basic infos but personal experience is better.

Thank you

Bhavna