Indonesia to Launch a Single Passport System by 2027

Indonesia’s Minister of Immigration and Corrections, Agus Andrianto, has announced plans to streamline the country’s passport system into a single, unified format, targeted for implementation beginning in 2027. Under this policy, distinctions between standard passports, laminated electronic passports, and polycarbonate electronic passports will be eliminated, with all citizens using one nationally standardised passport.

Beyond consolidation, Andrianto is proposing a more transformative change: a lifetime passport number for every holder. This would mean Indonesians would no longer need to change their passport number each time they renew their passports.

“I expect that by 2027, the single passport system will be fully operational,” he emphasised. Andrianto has instructed the Directorate General of Immigration to fully exhaust existing passport stock throughout 2026, while simultaneously preparing the technical and regulatory roadmap required for nationwide implementation in 2027.

The minister assured that all policy changes will be rolled out gradually and in a measured manner, with a strong focus on enhancing public service quality. Security, legal certainty, and ease of access, he added, will remain central guiding principles throughout the transition.

Currently, the Directorate General of Immigration issues two main categories of passports: non-electronic standard passports and electronic passports produced with laminated or polycarbonate materials. At present, however, polycarbonate electronic passports are only available at select immigration offices. Additionally, passport numbers issued today are not valid for life and are replaced each time a new passport is issued.