Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Italy to Indonesia
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Repatriation from Italy to Indonesia: what to expect
Italian nationals are regular visitors to Indonesia, particularly to Bali, which attracts Italian tourists and expatriates seeking longer stays. The Indonesian Embassy in Rome is operational. When a person with Indonesian family connections dies in Italy and their family wishes to repatriate remains to Indonesia, the death is registered with the local comune. Indonesia has been a party to the Hague Apostille Convention since 4 June 2022, so a document issued there is authenticated with an apostille from its designated authority rather than by full consular legalisation. A certified Indonesian translation is required.
- Key document: atto di morte (death certificate) (in Italian)
- Documentation takes 3-5 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with the comune (civil registry office) promptly.
- Indonesia Embassy in Rome can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
In Indonesia
When the body arrives in Indonesia
The Indonesian funeral director takes custody at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport Jakarta (CGK), Ngurah Rai International Airport Bali (DPS), or Juanda International Airport Surabaya (SUB) cargo terminal, depending on the final destination. Death registration in Indonesia is handled by the Dinas Kependudukan dan Pencatatan Sipil (Disdukcapil, the civil registration service) in the relevant regency or city. The death certificate (akta kematian) is issued in Indonesian. Police take jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. Indonesia has been a party to the Hague Apostille Convention since 4 June 2022, so a document issued there is authenticated with an apostille from its designated authority rather than by full consular legalisation. All foreign documents for use in Indonesia must be attested by the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate in the country of origin and then by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kementerian Luar Negeri) in Jakarta. A certified Indonesian translation is required for all non-Indonesian documentation. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Consular support
The Indonesian Embassy or Consulate in Rome can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Indonesia. Indonesia is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; foreign documents must be attested by the Indonesian Embassy in Rome and then by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kementerian Luar Negeri) in Jakarta. A certified Indonesian translation is required. The Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the local Disdukcapil for civil registration queries.
The process
What happens after a death in Italy
Call 112 for the EU emergency number, 118 for ambulance, or 113 for police. Death is certified by a physician. The atto di morte is registered with the local comune (civil registry office). The Procura della Repubblica (public prosecutor) takes jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. Italy is an EU member and Hague Apostille Convention member (joined 1978).
Step by step
Timeline: Italy to Indonesia
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 112 (EU emergency) or 118 (ambulance) or 113 (police) for local emergency services, and contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Atto di morte (death certificate) obtained.
Death must be registered with the comune (civil registry office). Violent or unexplained deaths (Procura della Repubblica) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Indonesia Embassy in Rome notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation.
After body released by authorities.
Licensed local funeral director
All export documentation and permits obtained.
Allow 3-5 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Indonesia
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Indonesia funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Italy to Indonesia
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Italy to Indonesia takes 3-5 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 14-21 days. Complex cases can take 6-12 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the comune (civil registry office) promptly. Violent or unexplained deaths (Procura della Repubblica) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: atto di morte (death certificate) with certified translation where required, embalming certificate, export permit, freedom from infection certificate, and passport of the deceased. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Indonesia Embassy in Rome can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Indonesia Embassy in Rome as soon as possible after the death.
Violent or unexplained deaths (Procura della Repubblica) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Indonesian funeral director takes custody at Jakarta (CGK), Bali (DPS), Surabaya (SUB), or another cargo terminal depending on the final destination. The Disdukcapil (civil registration service) handles civil registration. Indonesia is not a Hague Apostille Convention member; all foreign documents must be attested by the Indonesian Embassy in the origin country and then by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jakarta. A certified Indonesian translation is required for all non-Indonesian documentation. Police handle violent or unexplained deaths. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport.
Cremation in Italy is available at approved facilities in major cities. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
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If your loved one has died in Italy, 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 Indonesia.
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 Italy (gov.uk) · Italy repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions