Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Indonesia to New Zealand
For families bringing someone home to New Zealand. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Need help now?
Send us the detailsKey facts
Repatriation from Indonesia to New Zealand: what to expect
Indonesian nationals form a growing South-East Asian community in New Zealand, working in hospitality, academia, and professional services. New Zealand and Indonesia have bilateral ties through trade and education. Indonesian documentation requires certified English translation for New Zealand Customs purposes. The New Zealand Embassy in Jakarta handles consular matters. (New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, MFAT, 2025.)
- 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.
- Police must be notified for all unexpected deaths. Procedure varies by province.
- New Zealand Embassy in Jakarta can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In New Zealand
When the body arrives in New Zealand
The New Zealand funeral director takes custody at Auckland International (AKL), Wellington (WLG), or Christchurch (CHC) cargo terminal. New Zealand Customs clearance is required. The Registrar-General of Births, Deaths and Marriages records the death under the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 2021. The Coroner may need to be notified under the Coroners Act 2006. All foreign documentation must be authenticated. (New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, MFAT, 2025.)
Consular support
New Zealand Embassy or High Commission in Jakarta can assist New Zealand citizens and their families with consular registration of the death and provide guidance on required documentation. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) emergency line: +64 4 439 8000 (24 hours).
The process
What happens after a death in Indonesia
Call 118 and ask for an ambulance. 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.
Step by step
Timeline: Indonesia to New Zealand
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of New Zealand: +64 4 439 8000).
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
New Zealand 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
Embassy or consulate notified
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
New Zealand funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Indonesia to New Zealand
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Indonesia to New Zealand 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 New Zealand Embassy in Jakarta can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the New Zealand Embassy in Jakarta as soon as possible after the death.
The New Zealand funeral director takes custody at Auckland (AKL), Wellington (WLG), or Christchurch (CHC) cargo terminal. New Zealand Customs clearance requires the foreign death certificate, transit permit, and embalming certificate. The Registrar-General records the death. The Coroner may need to be notified. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Yes. Cremation in Indonesia (including Bali, where Hindu cremation is traditional) and bringing the ashes home to New Zealand is an option. You will need the death certificate, cremation certificate, and export permit.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Indonesia, please do not face this alone. Send us the details and we will explain what happens next and prepare a quote for bringing them home to New Zealand.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from official government and embassy guidance and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Sources: Official guidance on a death in Indonesia (gov.uk) · Indonesia repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions