Mirella Pandjaitan
Apr 24, 2025
Imagine jetting off to Thailand or cruising through Malaysia without the hassle of applying for an International Driving Permit.
Starting 1st June 2025, that dream becomes a reality for holders of Indonesian driver’s licenses (SIM).
Driver’s licenses issued by the Indonesian Police are undergoing a new policy that states their recognition in ASEAN countries:
Philippines
Thailand
Laos
Vietnam
Myanmar
Brunei
Singapore
Malaysia
Based on official information from the Indonesian National Police, this policy observes the adjustment that uses the National Identification Number (NIK) as the driver’s license number.
Therefore, it’s part of integrating driving legality with other national documents, including the Tax Identification Number (NPWP), the national health insurance (BPJS), and the national ID card (KTP). This data merge ensures clear and driver credentials — not just in Indonesia, but region-wide.
The policy will begin after the change in the driver’s license number to the national ID number (NIK), and will apply to holders of SIM A (car license) and SIM C (motorcycle license).
What’s new with the Indonesian driver’s license?
To support this international leap, the Indonesian driver’s license is also getting a makeover to help foreign authorities easily identify the type of license.
SIM C will feature a motorcycle icon
SIM A will include a car logo
Why this matters
This isn’t just a win for wanderlusters — it’s a game-changer for regional mobility.
With this update, travel becomes smoother, cross-border work is easier, and road trips are significantly upgraded. This could be a stepping stone toward global driver's license recognition in the future.