Follow the Rules

Indonesia has worked hard over the last decade to bring its yacht clearance procedures in line with other yacht-friendly countries. With over 15,000 islands and 28 ports of entry, Indonesia has often struggled with attaining consistent clearance protocols country-wide. However, with the development of their online Vessel Declaration System enabling the authorities to know the movements of all pleasure vessels into and out of the country, cruisers are reporting much easier entry procedures.

Where it goes wrong is when cruisers (and charter vessels) don’t follow the rules. Ignoring the mandatory entry rules, yet turning up just the same and expecting to be cleared into the country – or not obtaining the necessary permits to charter or cruise in a particular area of the country – will not only upset the officials and result in fines or refusal of entry, but it also tarnishes the arrival for the next boat following in your wake.

Unfortunately this is why some regulations are periodically and strictly enforced by the Indonesian authorities, in an effort to crack down on cruising yachts who do not adhere to the country’s laws and requirements.

Noonsite’s regional sub-editor Lynda Lim recently visited the island of Bali as part of a land-based visit to the country and met with several agents and officials to discuss some of the current issues facing cruising sailors.

New Crew Change Rule – Emergencies Only

One such regulation that reared its head a few months ago, was the rule concerning crew changes. Indonesian authorities announced that all crew arriving in the country on a yacht, must leave the country on the same yacht – i.e. no crew changes to be permitted in Indonesia. Having spoken in depth with two agents and officials in Indonesia who work closely with cruising yachts, Noonsite has discovered that this came about because of a vessel that was illegally chartering in the Anambas Islands.

Clearly, for many cruisers, crew changes are needed for delivery crew or family/friends that are visiting. According to the regulations, a crew change is not allowed “except in an emergency or for safety reasons”.  However, there is no official definition of what an “emergency or safety reason” is – just that there needs to be an emergency or a safety reason for a crew change to be allowed.

Agents have indicated that should a captain/skipper want to effect a crew change  – this can be done if the crew change is necessary because the crew member has a family emergency and has to return to their home country immediately. It also may be that your insurance company requires that another crew member joins the vessel  – for safety reasons – to replace the crew member that had to return home due to their “family emergency”.

A letter stating the reasons for the emergency crew change, or the safety reason why the crew change is being made, should be prepared by the skipper/captain and provided to officials as required.

The Green Book

At some ports of entry, the renowned “Health Green Book” is a requirement, whereas at others it is not even asked for, according to Ruth from Isle Marine Services in Bali. She told Noonsite, “The two most important documents to have for Health are the Ship Sanitation Certificate and the Ship’s Medical Chest Certificate, but it is a good idea to get the Green Book as a precautionary measure. Make sure you also have your Sailing Permit from your first Port of Entry.” More about documents required for Indonesia here.

Visas

There are two main Visas which apply to crew on vessels entering Indonesia.  The first is a B1 30-day Visa on Arrival, which can obtained online and then extended online for one additional 30 day period.  The other is the C1 60-day Visa, which is for an initial period of 60 days and can be extended online for two additional periods of 60 days each for a total of 180 days.

“With the C1 Visa, it is important to start the process 14 days before the visa expires,” said Hellen Sarita de Lima, Vice-Chairman of the Indonesia Marine and Tirta Business Association. “Ensure you keep the code received during the online process and evidence of the payment made for the Visa.  Also, keep all your documents throughout your visit to Indonesia.  Make lots of copies and don’t throw away” she warns.

More about Indonesia Immigration for yacht crew here.

Clearance requirement – Nunukan (North Kalimantan Province of Indonesia)

Hellen advises that any vessels who clear into Nunukan from Malaysia are required to fly 3 flags: the Yellow “Q” flag; the Indonesia courtesy flag; and the following Blue and White flag (see image below).

She explains, “This is a requirement from Immigration officials in Nunukan, but does not apply in any other ports of entry, only Nunukan.”

Bali – Crowded Anchorages and Busy Streets

Bali has gained a reputation as being less than welcoming to sailors, with limited services and facilities and crowded harbours and anchorages. However, while these are issues which other Indonesian islands also face – including rubbish and overzealous officials – there are some positives to be aware of.

There is good provisioning in Bali and medical facilities are easy to access and reasonably inexpensive, including doctors, specialists and dentists.  There are also good marine supply shops and tradespeople who are willing to help visiting yachts.

Vessels that clear into Indonesia in Bali can either anchor in Serangan and then visit all the official offices at Benoa Harbour, or request a berth at Benoa Marina Bali.  Customs, Immigration, Health and the Harbour Master’s Office are all within walking distance. However, with the traffic and boats in Serangan, it is advisable to clear into Bali at Benoa and then re-locate elsewhere.  There are numerous abandoned boats and fish farms in and around Serangan, but access to shore is easy via the dinghy dock (IDR250,000/month) and there are a number of yachts services in the area who can handle repairs.

Bali, Benoa – New Marina Underway

The first stage of a new marina planned for Benoa Harbour, which will eventually include haulout and repair facilities, should be open in August 2025 according to Morten Bottcher from Swedish company SF Marina.

SF Marina are partnering with an Indonesian company to provide the floating pontoons and docks for the new development. State-owned port company PT Pelindo is also a major partner of the project which will eventually have space for 180 vessels along with a travelift that will be capable of lifting large catamarans and superyachts.

“To lift the pontoons and floating docks into place we will need a crane, so the travelift will be one of the first services on sight,” said Morten.

“We are hoping that by January 2025, there will be a dinghy dock and fuel and water will be available.  Currently there are moorings in place which were used by the Sail2Indonesia rally, but unfortunately there is no access to land there at the moment, due to the gangway being removed for another project.”

If you are Not Sure – Please Ask

Overall, the message from everyone Lynda met in Bali was one of welcome for visiting sailors, but the authorities urge cruisers to make sure they understand the rules and regulations, prepare all the relevant documentation and if there is any uncertainty – please ask for help.

The message from the agents and officials was quite clear, if there’s any uncertainty about what is required, or what you have to do, seek clarification from Indonesian officials before you arrive in the country.  Cruisers who have been to Indonesia before you will have experience and advice, but rules change frequently and remember – they are not the ones that clear you into and out of the country.

Indonesia’s new President is reportedly keen to encourage the marine tourism industry as he believes the country has huge potential. Whether this will help further streamline the clearance process and paperwork demands for visiting yachts remains to be seen.

Lynda Lim
Regional Sub-Editor
Noonsite.com

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Related News:

• New Bali Marina to Help Make Indonesia Key Maritime Hub – Antara Indonesia News Agency

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Related Links

• SF Marina

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