Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Indonesia to the United Kingdom
For families bringing someone home to the United Kingdom. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Quick answer
Repatriation from Indonesia to the UK: what to expect
Most British deaths in Indonesia occur in Bali. Deaths in Bali are handled locally but require internal transfer to Jakarta for international cargo. Documentation is in Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) and requires certified English translation.
- 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.
Step by step
Timeline: Indonesia to the United Kingdom
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. FCDO 24hr: +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
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
British Embassy 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
UK funeral director takes custody. Coroner notified.
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 the United Kingdom
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Indonesia to the UK 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 British Embassy in Jakarta can register the death with UK authorities, provide a list of local funeral directors, and advise on documentation. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. FCDO 24-hour emergency line: +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
The UK funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All Indonesian documentation must be in certified English translation. The coroner for the district is notified. Straightforward cases proceed directly to funeral arrangements.
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.
In United Kingdom
When the body arrives in the United Kingdom
The UK funeral director takes custody at the cargo terminal. All Indonesian documentation must be in certified English translation. The coroner for the district is notified. Straightforward cases proceed directly to funeral arrangements.
Consular support
FCDO 24-hour emergency line: +44 (0)20 7008 5000. The British Embassy in Jakarta can register the death and advise on documentation. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
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 the United Kingdom.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from official government and embassy guidance, including the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Sources: FCDO: When someone dies in Indonesia · Indonesia repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions