Background check in Indonesia

What are the benefits of background checks in Indonesia?

Running background checks in Indonesia has many benefits. Not only does it make it easier to reach your hiring goals, but it can also help you avoid legal headaches going forward. These are some of the reasons why employers like you invest in a background search in Indonesia:

• Improved quality of the workforce
• To find the best fit for the company
• Quick access to employees’ emergency contacts
• To provide a safe work environment
• Reduced rate of employee turnover

What are the types of background checks in Indonesia?

There’s a long list of background checks in Indonesia, especially for foreign employers assisting their international employee’s relocation. Here are the common ones:

Criminal record check in Indonesia

No employer wants to risk hiring a felon with a history of crime at their previous job. Running a criminal record check in Indonesia may involve contacting the police or checking court records. A police clearance certificate (Surat Keterangan Catatan Kepolisian) may be necessary to prove that the employee is clear of criminal charges.

The Indonesian police issue the Surat Keterangan Catatan Kepolisian (SKCK) to prove a citizen or resident’s clean criminal record. These records may include the history of fines, prison sentences, or pending court cases. You can get the SKCK by applying at a local police station with the required documents.

Employment history check

Background check on an employee’s last place of employment is crucial. Conducting a work history check in Indonesia usually involves contacting previous employers. That way, you can learn about their previous positions, work ethics, and why they left their previous employer. It verifies the employee’s information on their resume or CV.

Medical screening

Although beneficial to virtually every role, this check is crucial to specific jobs. For instance, employers must ensure machine operators do not abuse drugs or alcohol. Medical screening, such as drug tests, is essential to avoid injuries to workers and their colleagues.

Likewise, employers order medical screening such as X-rays and blood tests to ensure employees are healthy. It reduces the risk of infection in the workplace.

Credit history check

How an individual incurs and manages debt speaks volumes. Credit history checks involve assessing an employee’s records regarding their credit card, debt, and financial history. You can run a background check on the history of the employee’s previous and current credit cards. You may also check the number of consumer loans they take within short periods.

Education history

Running education history checks is the most effective way to determine if their academic qualifications are valid. Employers or the HR team contacts the awarding institution. They check the date of graduation, class, honors, and the employee's full name to ensure they are genuine.

Social media and working with children check

People reveal much information about their interests, experiences, affiliations, and lifestyle on social media. Some individuals may have professional and personal social media profiles. Check both to be sure the employee can be a good ambassador of your company on and off duty.

Requirements for background check in Indonesia

You need crucial information from your employee to conduct a background check in Indonesia. These pieces of information can help avoid legal trouble and narrow down your investigation:

• Employee’s full name
• Nomor Induk Kependudukan (National Identity Number)
• Current and previous home address
• Contact information
• References contact
• Date of birth
• Permission to obtain school transcripts
• Authorization to access military records

Steps in conducting a background check in Indonesia

Conducting background checks in Indonesia can be a long process with multiple steps. Follow these steps as you navigate this process legally:

• Identify your target employee: Before listing the checks, identify the employee you want to investigate. It helps you to tailor your investigation to the person’s position and personality. You may end up saving money and time.
• List the checks you need: There are a plethora of checks available. You must select the ones necessary for the role you are hiring. Ordering every check in the book is unnecessary and expensive.
• Ask for consent: You may need the employee’s approval to conduct the background checks. Ask them explicitly or make them sign a form stating that they permit you to run the checks. This exonerates you from possible lawsuits from disgruntled employees.
• Begin the check: Once you have the authorization, start the verification process. Make the necessary calls and send vital emails to institutions and individuals. Pay for the services and collect all the results before hiring.
• Make your decision: After getting the results, hire according to your findings. Make sure you keep the records for future reference.

Are employee background checks legal in Indonesia?

Running employee background checks in Indonesia is not illegal. Employers can run basic background checks on their prospective or current employees. However, investigating personal information about employees without their consent may violate their rights. Thus, following this guide can help to achieve compliance with local legislation.

Planning to hire in Indonesia? Here’s how Skuad can help

Running background checks is necessary, but you must be cautious to avoid violating the employee’s rights to privacy. Navigating this process can be long, delaying your plans of setting up your global remote team in Indonesia.

So Skuad conducts background checks when you make us your EOR partner.

With Skuad as your Employer of Record partner in Indonesia, you can easily hire, manage, and pay employees all over the world from one place. Skuad helps you easily comply with all employment laws and legislation in Indonesia, helping you reduce legal risks and fines. We can also advise you on the legalities of things like background checks, as well as provide an optimal employee experience to your workers.

Leave the complexities of hiring and payments to us so that you can focus on growing your teams in Indonesia and beyond.

Book a demo today to get started!

FAQs

Below is a list of frequently asked questions about conducting background checks in Indonesia.

How to apply for an Indonesian police certificate?

Application for an Indonesian police certificate takes place at the local police station. First, visit the nearest police station with your means of identification and other essential documents. Take the documents to the SKCK unit and fill out the necessary forms.

Alternatively, you can apply for the SKCK online. Visit the SKCK online portal for the complete list of required documents, and make sure you have soft copies. Fill out the forms available on the portal and send your application request.

How long does an international background check take?

It depends on various factors. The location, job type, and the country's legal or criminal justice system play a significant role. It may take between three and six days for developed countries.

Meanwhile, completing background checks in developing countries may take two weeks or a few months. Since background checks combine multiple reviews, some parts may be completed faster than others.

What does an international background check involve?

International background checks are complex, and each country has unique laws for performing them. It can involve many checks, but the employer ultimately decides which reviews to make. Some of the most common international background checks involve the following:

• Criminal records
• Military or political involvement
• Employment history
• Education verification
• Credit score check
• References verification

What is police clearance for Indonesia?

A police clearance in Indonesia is the Surat Keterangan Catatan Kepolisian (SKCK). It is an official certificate issued by a special division of the Indonesian police — the Intelligence Unit.

It shows the presence or absence of a citizen’s criminal record for employment, court, or immigration purposes. They present it to an applicant with a clean criminal record. SKCK is valid for six months and can be renewed when it expires.

How do I get an international background check?

An international background check starts with determining which reviews are necessary. Once you select the checks, learn the employee’s country’s laws on pre-employment checks.

Usually, you will need authorization from the candidate to run the test. Once you get their permission, order the tests and pay the applicable fees. Alternatively, you may hire an international background-checking service like Skuad to speed up the process.