Scooters & Motorbikes

With a KITAS, buying beats renting after 9 to 18 months, resale not counted: 9 months if you pay IDR 1,400,000 a month in rent, 18 months at IDR 700,000. Prices read in July 2026: a common Honda Vario or Scoopy in decent shape sells for IDR 9 to 14 million, plus about IDR 495,000 in official name-change fees. Without a KITAS or KITAP, the scooter cannot be registered in your name.

An Indonesian SIM C, or your national licence valid for motorbikes together with an International Driving Permit, which only covers the categories on your national licence: a car-only licence is not enough. Riding without a valid licence carries up to 4 months in prison or a fine of up to IDR 1,000,000 (Road Traffic Law 22/2009, art. 281).

Yes, for the rider and the passenger, and it must meet the Indonesian national standard SNI (Law 22/2009, art. 106, para. 8). The fine can reach IDR 250,000 (art. 291).

The STNK, the registration card, to be shown at a police check (art. 106, para. 5); riding without it can cost up to IDR 500,000 (art. 288). The BPKB, the ownership book, stays with the owner. The plate, frame number and engine number must match the documents.

Yes, with a KITAP, or a KITAS together with an SKTT, the certificate of residence issued by the regency's civil registry office (national police regulation Perpol 7/2021, art. 10, para. 6). On a tourist visa it is not possible; a nominee arrangement usually costs IDR 1 to 3 million a year and does not make you the legal owner.