More Secure, More Stylish; Sneak Peek of Indonesia's New Passport

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - On the 79th anniversary of Indonesian independence on Saturday, August 17, 2024, the government launched a redesigned passport. This new passport replaces the previous version which featured bluish-green pages with illustrations of Nusantara uniqueness.

Silmy Karim, Director General of Immigration, highlighted the enhanced security features and Nusantara-inspired design of the new passport. The contents page showcases 33 Nusantara fabric motifs and regional treasures, such as traditional houses.

Here's a breakdown of the new Indonesian passport design:

1. Security Features

The new design of the Indonesian passport is claimed to have better security features which is in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. It is more resistant to forgery, replication, and data tampering. Additionally, the cover is heat-resistant, flexible, and protects the embedded chip.

2. Patriotic Color Scheme

The colors chosen for the new passport are red and white, which symbolize the Indonesian flag and the nation’s spirit of struggle.

3. Delayed Distribution

Albeit having been launched on August 17, 2024, the new passport will not be available until August 17, 2025. This delay allows for the depletion of existing passport stocks and necessary preparations for the new design's implementation, starting from the printing process to policies and distribution and system preparation.

4. Free for the first 100

The incoming government of Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka reportedly plans to hold a competition to determine the first 100 recipients of the new passport. These lucky individuals will receive the passport free of charge. The specific competition details have not been announced yet.

5. Inspiration from Imitate Belgium and Switzerland

The colors and images in the passport are inspired by Belgium and Switzerland, both known for their strong national identities in their passports. For instance, Switzerland features its iconic red flag with a white symbol, while Belgium showcases the Tintin comic. 

Indonesia's new passport highlights 33 Nusantara fabrics taken from at least 5,849 local traditional fabrics, representing the country's diverse culture, ethnicity, race, class, and lifestyle.

MILA NOVITA

Editor's Choice: Indonesian Immigration Launches New Passport Design, Here are the Security Features

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