Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Indonesia to France
For British families. 24/7 support, every step handled.
The process
What happens after a death in Indonesia
Call 112 for emergency services. Unexpected deaths require police attendance. Death registered with the local civil registry (catatan sipil). The surat keterangan kematian is issued in Bahasa Indonesia and requires certified English translation. Deaths in Bali require transfer to Jakarta (CGK) for international cargo departure.
Key facts
Repatriation from Indonesia to France: what to expect
Indonesian nationals form a growing community in France, with students, professionals, and cultural exchange participants in Paris and other French cities. France and Indonesia have bilateral trade and cultural ties. Indonesian documentation requires certified French translation for French prefecture and registry purposes. The French Embassy in Jakarta handles consular matters. This corridor also covers Indonesian tourists and business travellers who die in France.
- Key document: Surat keterangan kematian (Indonesian death certificate, in Bahasa Indonesia) with certified English translation
- Bali deaths require internal transfer to Jakarta (Soekarno-Hatta airport) for international cargo.
- British Embassy in Jakarta registers the death and advises. They cannot fund repatriation.
- Police must be notified for all unexpected deaths. Procedure varies by province.
- France Embassy in Jakarta can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Indonesia to France
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (FCDO) or +33 1 43 17 67 67.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered with local civil registry. Surat keterangan kematian issued.
Certificate in Bahasa Indonesia. Certified English translation required.
Local funeral director and civil registry
France Embassy in Jakarta notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and internal transfer (if Bali or other island)
Bali deaths require transfer to Jakarta (CGK). Add 1-2 days.
Licensed local funeral director
Certified English translation and all export permits obtained
Allow 7-21 days.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK), Jakarta to London Heathrow (LHR)
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
France funeral director takes custody. receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In France
When the body arrives in France
The French funeral director (pompes funebres) takes custody at Charles de Gaulle (CDG, Paris) or another French international airport. The prefecture may require a permis d'inhumer (burial permit) or transport authorisation before burial or cremation can proceed. All foreign documents must carry a certified French translation. (French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, MAE, 2025.)
Consular support
French Embassy in Jakarta can advise on repatriation documentation requirements for France. French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs (MAE) emergency assistance: +33 1 43 17 67 67 (24 hours). The French Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Indonesia to France
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Indonesia to France takes 14-28 days. Bali cases that require Jakarta transfer take 10-14 days in best-case. Complex cases can take 4-8 weeks.
Deaths in Bali are handled locally by Balinese authorities. The body must be transferred from Bali to Jakarta (Soekarno-Hatta airport, CGK) before international cargo can depart. This adds 1-2 days. Contact a specialist on the day of death.
The core documents are: surat keterangan kematian (Indonesian death certificate) with certified English translation, embalming certificate, freedom from infection certificate, police report (if required), and passport of the deceased.
The France Embassy in Jakarta can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the France Embassy in Jakarta as soon as possible after the death.
The French funeral director takes custody at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or another French airport. The prefecture issues a permis d'inhumer before burial or cremation. All foreign documents require certified French translation. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Yes. Cremation in Indonesia (including Bali, where Hindu cremation is traditional) and bringing ashes home to the UK is an option. You will need the death certificate, cremation certificate, and export permit.
We are here to help, any time of day or night
If your loved one has passed away in Indonesia, please do not face this alone. Our team will guide you through every step of bringing them home.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, official embassy contacts, and professional repatriation experience. Updated June 2026.
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Indonesia repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions