Introduction #
For probate applications, conveyancing transactions and other matters in Singapore, we may need to rely on an Indonesian Death Certificate (Akta Kematian / Kutipan Akta Kematian) issued by the Indonesian civil registry (Dukcapil).
Indonesian civil‑status certificates commonly contain a QR code for authenticity checks. Based on publicly stated changes by the Indonesian system, from 1 January 2026, QR codes on Indonesian population documents are intended to be verified only via the IKD (Identitas Kependudukan Digital (IKD)) application, and not via a phone camera or general QR‑scanner apps.
This guide explains:
A. How to send the correct PDF to us; and
B. The two verification options we accept (limited to (i) IKD scan by an Indonesian citizen, and (ii) certification by the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore), subject always to the requirements of the relevant Singapore authority (e.g. the Court or the Singapore Land Authority).
At a glance: the steps (summary) #
- Email us the original PDF death certificate downloaded from the issuing authority (Dukcapil). Do not edit, crop, re‑save, or convert the file.
- Verify authenticity (choose (i), (ii), or both):
(i) IKD scan in our office (Indonesian citizen); and/or
(ii) Certified true by the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore. - Send us the proof (IKD verification screenshot and/or Embassy‑endorsed copy), and tell us what you need it for (probate, conveyancing, etc.).
A. How to send the death certificate to us (PDF) #
- Use the official PDF
(i) Please obtain the death certificate directly from the Indonesian issuing authority (Dukcapil) and download the official PDF.
(ii) Do not send a photo, screenshot, WhatsApp image, or cropped copy unless we specifically ask for it. - Email the PDF to us
(i) Attach the PDF to your email.
(ii) In the email, include:
(a) the deceased’s full name;
(b) the date of death;
(c) where the deceased passed away (if known); and
(d) what you need the document for (e.g. Singapore probate application / conveyancing / other). - Keep the file unchanged
(i) Please do not “print to PDF”, merge, compress, or password‑protect the file before sending.
(ii) If you have multiple pages or multiple documents, send each document as a separate file (where possible).
B. Verification options (choose (i), (ii), or both) #
(i) IKD scan by an Indonesian citizen (in our office) #
This option requires an Indonesian citizen who has access to the IKD (Identitas Kependudukan Digital) application. At the moment, we are unable to verify that this mode is acceptable to the Singapore courts, and/or the relevant authorities.
- Before you come
(i) Ensure the person attending is an Indonesian citizen and has the IKD app installed and activated on their phone.
(ii) Bring:
(a) the phone with the IKD app; and
(b) the death certificate QR code (either displayed on the phone screen, or on a clear print‑out). - At our office
(i) The attending person will open the IKD app and scan the QR code in our lawyer’s / notary public’s presence.
(ii) We will view the IKD app’s verification result and keep a record (for example, a screenshot or photograph of the verification screen) for our file. - Why we require this
(i) The purpose is to verify that the document can be validated through the official Indonesian channel (IKD), before we proceed with certification in Singapore.
(ii) Certified true by the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore #
If you prefer not to use the IKD scan route (or in addition to it), you may obtain a certified/endorsed copy from the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore (KBRI Singapore). At the moment, we are unable to verify that this mode is acceptable to the Singapore courts, and/or the relevant authorities.
- What to do
(i) Arrange an appointment with the Embassy (if required by the Embassy’s procedures).
(ii) Bring the original document and the required copies, in accordance with the Embassy’s instructions. - What we will need from you
(i) Please provide us with:
(a) a clear scanned copy of the Embassy‑endorsed / certified document; and
(b) any receipt or reference number issued by the Embassy (if available). - Why this may help
(i) An Embassy certification is often treated as an additional layer of assurance for foreign public documents to be used in Singapore.
C. What we will do next (after you provide the PDF and verification) #
- Review
(i) We will review the PDF and the verification evidence you provide.
(ii) We may ask for clarifications if there are discrepancies in names, dates, or identity details. - Certification / use in Singapore
(i) Where appropriate, we can certify a true copy for use in Singapore proceedings or transactions.
(ii) The final form and extent of certification will depend on what is required by the intended receiving authority (e.g. Court filing requirements for probate, or document requirements for a conveyancing transaction).
D. Important notes (please read) #
- Foreign government policy disclaimer
(i) The IKD / QR‑code verification regime is a foreign government system and is outside our control.
(ii) Any description in this article is based on publicly available information and our practical experience; it may change without notice.
(iii) We do not make any representation or warranty as to the operation of the IKD app, the availability of the Dukcapil verification service, or the outcome of any verification attempt. - Acceptance by Singapore authorities
(i) The final acceptance of any Indonesian document lies with the relevant Singapore authority (e.g. the Court or the Singapore Land Authority).
(ii) Different authorities may impose different requirements, and additional verification may sometimes be requested. - Translations
(i) If an English translation is required for your intended use, you are responsible for arranging an appropriate certified / sworn translation, unless we expressly agree otherwise in writing.
