Cremation and ashes transport

Cremation in Indonesia and bringing ashes home

Muslim Indonesia: burial. Hindu Bali: cremation (ngaben ceremony, elaborate ritual). This page sets out what Indonesia requires, and what to check before you decide.

Send an enquiry Full repatriation guide for Indonesia

Cremation in Indonesia

Can you cremate someone in Indonesia?

Muslim Indonesia: burial. Hindu Bali: cremation (ngaben ceremony, elaborate ritual).

Cremation available in Bali (culturally standard) and Jakarta. Hindu ngaben ceremony is an option for families who wish it.

Religious context: Muslim (~87% nationally). Bali: Hindu (~83% of island population).

Local funeral timing: Muslim: burial within 24 hours. Hindu Bali: cremation can be delayed for auspicious date (months sometimes).

Bali: Ngaben (cremation ceremony) is elaborate and sacred. Hindu Balinese may offer to perform ngaben for deceased visitors.; Muslim Java/Sumatra: Islamic burial customs, washing, shrouding, quick burial; Banjar (village council) in Bali has authority over local ceremonies

Weighing cremation abroad against bringing your loved one home intact? How families decide between the two.

Documentation language

Bahasa Indonesia (official). Balinese in Bali.

Airline guidance

Can you carry ashes on the flight home?

Airline rules that apply on any route.

What affects the cost from Indonesia

We do not publish a figure, because it turns on the specifics of the case. For Indonesia the things that move it are:

Distance from where the death happened to the nearest crematorium
Whether an investigation must conclude before release
Translation, since documentation is in Bahasa Indonesia (official). Balinese in Bali.
Whether you carry the ashes yourself or need them shipped

Considering full repatriation instead?

Some families decide they want their loved one brought home intact. The full Indonesia guide sets out that process.

Full repatriation guide for Indonesia

First steps guide

What to do if someone dies in Indonesia

Local emergency number 110. The step-by-step first response guide covers the first 24 hours in Indonesia.

Official lists for Indonesia

Published by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for British nationals. We are not connected to the firms listed.

Lawyers, where an estate or an investigation needs local legal advice

Sources: FCDO: death abroad · FCDO travel advice · Repatriation from Indonesia

Talk to us about cremation in Indonesia

We can advise on whether cremation abroad is the right choice for your family. Tell us what has happened and we will take it from there.