Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Indonesia to Sweden
For families bringing someone home to Sweden. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Indonesia to Sweden: what to expect
Indonesian nationals in Sweden include students, professionals, and a small diaspora community. Sweden and Indonesia have bilateral diplomatic and trade ties, with Swedish companies including Volvo and IKEA having operations in Indonesia. Indonesian documentation in Bahasa Indonesia requires certified Swedish translation for Swedish population register purposes. The Swedish Embassy in Jakarta handles consular matters. (Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UD, 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.
- Sweden Embassy in Jakarta can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
Step by step
Timeline: Indonesia to Sweden
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country (citizens of Sweden: +46 8 405 50 05).
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
Sweden 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
Sweden funeral director takes custody. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
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.
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Indonesia to Sweden
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Indonesia to Sweden 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 Sweden Embassy in Jakarta can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Sweden Embassy in Jakarta as soon as possible after the death.
The Swedish begravningsentreprenor (funeral director) takes custody at Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) or Gothenburg Landvetter (GOT) cargo terminal. A laissez-passer must accompany the remains. Skatteverket is notified to update the population register. Documents not in Swedish or English require certified Swedish translation. 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 Sweden is an option. You will need the death certificate, cremation certificate, and export permit.
In Sweden
When the body arrives in Sweden
The Swedish begravningsentreprenor (funeral director) takes custody at Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) or Gothenburg Landvetter (GOT) cargo terminal. A laissez-passer must accompany the remains. Skatteverket (Swedish Tax Agency) is notified to update the population register. Sweden is an EU and Hague Apostille Convention member. Documents not in Swedish or English require certified Swedish translation. (Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UD, 2025.)
Consular support
Swedish Embassy in Jakarta can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Sweden. Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency line: +46 8 405 50 05 (24 hours). The Swedish Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
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 Sweden.
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