The Indonesian National Police (Korlantas Polri) has implemented a nationwide policy allowing vehicle owners to complete their annual tax payments and registration renewals (perpanjang STNK) without the requirement of the original owner’s identity card (KTP). This shift aims to eliminate a long-standing bureaucratic bottleneck for millions of citizens who own second-hand vehicles but lack the necessary documentation from previous owners.
While the move provides immediate relief for taxpayers, officials have cautioned that What we have is a temporary measure. Brigjen Wibowo, Director of Registration and Identification (Dirregident) at Korlantas Polri, stated that the flexibility will only be available throughout 2026. The policy serves as a bridge toward a mandatory ownership update, with a hard deadline for all vehicles to complete the legal transfer of ownership—known as balik nama—by 2027.
“It applies nationally and only in 2026; in 2027, all vehicles must undergo a transfer of ownership,” Wibowo said, emphasizing that the grace period is designed to bring unregistered transfers into the legal fold without penalizing the current users.
From West Java Pilot to National Mandate
The transition to a national standard was sparked by a localized breakthrough in West Java. The provincial government, under the direction of Governor Dedi Mulyadi, previously introduced a circular from the Regional Revenue Agency (Bapenda) to simplify the tax process. This regional initiative sought to increase provincial revenue by removing the “KTP hurdle” that often discouraged second-hand owners from paying their taxes.
According to Bapenda Jabar Circular Number 47/KU.03.02/BAPENDA/2026, which took effect on March 6, 2026, residents of West Java were permitted to renew their registration using only the STNK. The success of this model in boosting tax compliance prompted Korlantas Polri to scale the policy across all provinces.
By nationalizing the process, the police aim to standardize the experience at Samsat (Same-day Registration System) offices across the archipelago, ensuring that the lack of a previous owner’s ID is no longer a valid reason for tax evasion.
Balancing Accessibility with Legal Rigor
The new policy creates a temporary tension with existing regulations. Under Police Regulation (Perpol) Number 7 of 2021, specifically Article 61, the submission of the owner’s KTP is a mandatory requirement for the validation of an STNK. This rule is designed to ensure that vehicles are not being registered fraudulently and that the government can track the actual movement of assets.
Wibowo acknowledged that while the law requires registration for new entries, annual validations, and five-year extensions, the current priority is improving tax compliance and vehicle oversight. The police are essentially offering a “legal amnesty” for the administrative gap between the actual possession of a vehicle and its official registration.
To maintain a trail of accountability, the police have not completely waived administrative requirements. Instead, they have replaced the KTP requirement with a set of alternative safeguards to prevent legal disputes over ownership in the future.
Requirements for Tax Renewal Without KTP
- Ownership Statement: Applicants must fill out a formal declaration form stating they are the current legal possessor of the vehicle.
- Blocking Request: The current owner must apply to “block” the vehicle’s record under the previous owner’s name to prevent the former owner from being held liable for future taxes.
- Commitment to Transfer: A written agreement to complete the full balik nama process by the 2027 deadline.
The Road to 2027: Why Transfer of Ownership Matters
The insistence on a 2027 deadline for balik nama is rooted in the need for legal certainty. When a vehicle remains registered in a previous owner’s name, both the buyer and the seller face risks. The seller may continue to be linked to the vehicle in the event of a crime or traffic accident, while the buyer lacks full legal title to the asset.
To encourage this transition, officials noted that the second-stage transfer of ownership fee (BBNKB II) is currently free. This removes the financial barrier that often leads owners to avoid the formal transfer process.
| Requirement | Standard Procedure (Perpol 7/2021) | 2026 Grace Period Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Owner’s KTP | Mandatory | Waived |
| STNK Document | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| Ownership Form | Not Required | Mandatory |
| Transfer Deadline | Immediate upon sale | Maximum by 2027 |
The police have emphasized that this window is a final opportunity for the public to regularize their vehicle documentation. By providing a path to pay taxes without the KTP, the state is prioritizing immediate revenue and data collection, while using the 2027 deadline to force a complete cleanup of the national vehicle database.
Vehicle owners are encouraged to visit their local Samsat office to begin the process of blocking the previous owner’s data and securing their own legal title to their vehicles. For those seeking official updates, the Korlantas Polri official portal provides guidelines on the necessary forms and regional implementation dates.
The next critical checkpoint for vehicle owners will be the commencement of the 2027 mandatory transfer period, at which point the KTP-waived renewal process is expected to terminate entirely.
Do you have questions about the new registration rules or your specific vehicle status? Share your thoughts in the comments or share this guide with fellow vehicle owners.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information regarding police policy and administrative procedures. For specific legal advice regarding vehicle ownership disputes or tax liabilities, please consult a legal professional or your local Samsat office.
