The Indonesian passport, which was previously green, has now been updated with a new version featuring a red cover and a refreshed design.
The Ministry of Law and Human Rights unveiled the new design of the Republic of Indonesia passport at the Kempinski Grand Ballroom, Hotel Indonesia Kempinski, Jakarta, on Saturday, the 17th of August, coinciding with the 79th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Indonesia. The launch was attended by the Minister of Law and Human Rights, Yasonna Hamonangan Laoly, the Director General of Immigration of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, Silmy Karim, and ambassadors from other friendly nations.
This new passport will be officially issued on the 17th of August, 2025. The design of the new passport features a red cover with white lettering. Several changes have been made, to boot. Not only has the cover colour changed but the passport’s security features have also been enhanced.
Karim explained that each page of the new Indonesian passport features 33 traditional Indonesian fabric motifs. Additionally, the design includes motifs that showcase the rich cultural heritage of various regions, such as traditional houses.
“Why Indonesian fabric? [Because] many of us are unaware that there are 5,849 fabric motifs from Sabang to Merauke. Why not incorporate all of them? Also, the design of the Indonesian passport can tell the story of Indonesia’s abundant cultural wealth,” Karim explained to the press on Sunday, the 18th of August.
Furthermore, Karim mentioned that the new design of the Indonesian passport has been aligned with the standards and recommendations of ICAO Annex 9 on Facilitation, Chapter 3, Subchapter C. This requires every country to periodically update passport security techniques and features.
“This is done to prevent attempts at forgery, replication, data replacement or deletion, and other passport-related fraudulent activities,” he continued.
There is also a combination of security features integrated into the new passport design, including a cover that is heat-resistant, flexible, and capable of protecting the embedded chip. The biodata page of the passport is made from polycarbonate material and is surface-coated.
Additionally, the paper in the passport book has been fitted with security features that are sensitive to chemicals. The ink used includes visible ink (fluorescent ink) and invisible ink (infrared ink), which glows under ultraviolet light. This ink is also utilised in the stitching thread of the passport book, which is made from three different colours.
“The use of a combination of raw material security features and new printing technology is a key focus to ensure the passport can be used for international travel while also facilitating the authentication process,” Karim concluded.