Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Japan to Indonesia
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Repatriation from Japan to Indonesia: what to expect
Japanese nationals in Indonesia include a large and long-established community of business professionals and manufacturing executives, reflecting Japan's significant investment in Indonesian industry. Japan and Indonesia have a bilateral Economic Partnership Agreement (JIEPA, 2008) and Japan is one of Indonesia's largest investors. Japanese death certificates (shibo todoke, in Japanese) require certified Indonesian translation for the Disdukcapil and authentication by the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo. (Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: shibo todoke (death notification, in Japanese) (in Japanese)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with the local municipal office (shiyakusho or kuyakusho) promptly.
- Indonesia Embassy in Tokyo 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 (CGK) in Jakarta, or at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) for Bali arrivals. The Dinas Kependudukan dan Pencatatan Sipil (Disdukcapil), Indonesia's civil registration authority, registers the death. A burial or cremation permit from the local health authority is required before final disposition. For Muslim remains, Islamic law procedures apply. All foreign documents not in Bahasa Indonesia require certified Indonesian translation. Authentication by the Indonesian Embassy in the country of origin is required. (Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Indonesian Embassy or Consulate in Tokyo can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Indonesia. Contact the Embassy during business hours. The Indonesian Embassy cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Japan
Call 110 for police or 119 for ambulance. The shibo todoke (death notification) must be submitted to the local municipal office (shiyakusho or kuyakusho) within seven days. A physician must certify the death. Police and the public prosecutor (Kenji) take jurisdiction for violent or unexplained deaths. All documentation is in Japanese and requires certified translation.
Step by step
Timeline: Japan to Indonesia
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Shibo todoke (death notification, in japanese) obtained.
Death must be registered with the local municipal office (shiyakusho or kuyakusho). Violent or unexplained deaths (public prosecutor, Kenji) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Indonesia Embassy in Tokyo 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 5-10 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 Japan to Indonesia
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Japan to Indonesia takes 7-14 days. The fastest cases complete in 5-7 days. Complex cases can take 3-6 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the local municipal office (shiyakusho or kuyakusho) promptly. Violent or unexplained deaths (public prosecutor, Kenji) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: shibo todoke (death notification, in Japanese) 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 Tokyo can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Indonesia Embassy in Tokyo as soon as possible after the death.
Violent or unexplained deaths (public prosecutor, Kenji) 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 Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) or Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS) for Bali. The Disdukcapil registers the death. A burial or cremation permit is required from the local health authority. For Muslim remains, Islamic law procedures apply. All foreign documents require certified Indonesian translation and authentication by the Indonesian Embassy in the origin country. The receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Cremation is the standard final disposition in Japan (over 99%). 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 Japan, 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 Japan (gov.uk) · Japan repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions