Indonesia’s Minister of Law Regulation No. 4 of 2025 sets out requirements and procedures for sworn translator appointment. Competency certification, appointment and taking the oath are distinct parts of that process. Passing an assessment alone does not complete it. Official regulation.
This English overview helps prospective applicants locate the relevant provisions. Use the Indonesian regulation and current official instructions for an application. It does not announce an open registration period, an assessment date or an available training programme.
Check eligibility before planning an application
Article 4(1) requires applicants to be Indonesian citizens domiciled in Indonesia, at least 25 years old, with at least D-IV/S1 education or an equivalent qualification. It also requires physical and mental health and a finding of competence through the specified sworn translator competency certification process.
The article includes faith and constitutional allegiance requirements, a restriction concerning final criminal convictions for offences punishable by imprisonment of five years or more, and restrictions on incompatible status or offices. The latter include the state civil apparatus, armed forces or police, state officials, notaries and advocates, alongside other concurrent offices prohibited by law. Read the complete provision when assessing eligibility; this summary does not determine an individual applicant’s position. Article 4.
Do not rely on older advice saying a formal educational qualification is optional. Article 4 specifies a minimum level; it does not prescribe a particular degree subject in that provision.
Confirm the competency certification route
The regulation refers to a Lembaga Sertifikasi Profesi, or professional certification body. Its definition requires licensing by the National Professional Certification Agency, BNSP, and a recommendation from the ministry responsible for law. The application documents include a valid sworn translator competency certificate. Articles 1 and 4.
Check the relevant body’s status and current instructions before paying for an assessment or course. Historical descriptions of the UKP examination should not be treated as proof of today’s application route. A course attendance certificate and the competency evidence required for appointment are different documents.
Article 5 addresses appointment for one or more languages and language directions. Confirm the scope of the certification and application rather than assuming one direction covers the reverse direction or every language you use.
Follow the official application process
Article 6 provides for electronic applications to the minister through the Director General of General Legal Administration, using the directorate’s official website. Applicants complete the electronic form and upload supporting documents. Article 4(2) specifies the evidence, including identity, education, health and competency documents, declarations and payment evidence. Use the full list and official submission instructions when preparing files.
The regulation provides for verification, correction of incomplete applications, payments and an appointment decision. Article 7 ties the application window to the opening of registration. Confirm the actual announcement and deadlines rather than assuming applications are continuously open. Articles 4 and 6–12.
Complete the oath and subsequent obligations
Article 13 requires the oath or promise before exercising the office. The regulation also addresses deadlines, post-oath submissions, professional duties, reporting and supervision. Appointment should therefore be read together with those continuing obligations, not as the end of the compliance process.
Article 3 makes the translator responsible for the correctness and quality of the translation. Practice in terminology, source analysis and revision supports that work, but this article does not promise appointment, earnings or assignments. Articles 3 and 13–15.
If you are hiring rather than applying
Use our legal basis guide for checks on the individual signing your translation. The provider selection guide covers quotations and document requirements. Neither professional appointment nor completion of a translation determines a receiving institution’s acceptance decision.