---
title: "Wills, inheritance and powers of attorney in Indonesia"
canonical: https://panduanwarga.org/en/guides/wills-inheritance-power-of-attorney/
language: en
category: "Identity & family"
reviewed: 2026-10-01
modified: 2026-10-01
publisher: "Panduan Warga (independent; not a government website)"
reviewed-by: "Kaiser Khan (https://panduanwarga.org/en/about/kaiser-khan/)"
---

# Wills, inheritance and powers of attorney in Indonesia

**How do wills, inheritance and powers of attorney work in Indonesia?**

Indonesia has no single will form suitable for every family. Islamic, civil or customary inheritance rules may apply; heirs’ rights and will formalities need review. A power of attorney authorises specified acts while the grantor has legal authority; it is not a substitute for inheritance or elder-care rules.

## What you need to make a will or power of attorney

- List assets, debts, shared ownership and potential heirs.
- Identity, marriage, birth and ownership records plus the exact authority to be delegated.

## How to make a will or power of attorney

1. **Map family and estate.** Record close relatives, marriage history, personal or shared assets and liabilities.
2. **Identify the legal framework.** Check whether Islamic, civil or customary rules apply; cross-border estates and mixed marriages need special review.
3. **Review document form.** Discuss will form and proof with an appropriate notary or adviser; do not use a UK template.
4. **Limit an authorisation.** For a power of attorney, identify the agent, acts, assets, duration and revocation; confirm required form with the receiving institution.

## How much it costs to make a will or power of attorney

Since Government Regulation 30/2026 took effect (around 1 August 2026), Ministry of Law fees for wills and inheritance are: will certificate (Surat Keterangan Wasiat) Rp500,000; registering an open will at the Estate Office (Balai Harta Peninggalan) Rp200,000 per deed; opening a sealed will Rp500,000; and an inheritance certificate issued by the Estate Office Rp200,000. Notary, legalisation and court costs are separate and vary by region; ask for a written breakdown before signing.

Ministry of Law fees for wills and inheritance under Government Regulation 30/2026 (checked 1 October 2026)

| Service | Fee |
| --- | --- |
| Will certificate (Directorate General of General Legal Administration) | Rp500,000 per certificate |
| Registering an open will (Estate Office) | Rp200,000 per deed |
| Opening a sealed will (Estate Office) | Rp500,000 per will |
| Inheritance certificate (Estate Office) | Rp200,000 per certificate |

## Will versus power of attorney

A will deals with arrangements after death and may be limited by heirs’ rights. A power of attorney authorises specified acts; banks or land offices may demand their own form. Neither permits unauthorised transfer of another person’s assets.

- [Kompilasi Hukum Islam (sumber hukum)](https://peraturan.bpk.go.id/Details/293351/inpres-no-1-tahun-1991)

## Things to check carefully

- An overseas will does not automatically operate the same way in Indonesia.
- Hukumonline is secondary explanation; check applicable law and case-specific advice.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is a power of attorney a will?

No. Purpose, effect, authorised people and formalities differ.

### How much do a will certificate and an inheritance certificate cost?

Under Government Regulation 30/2026 on Ministry of Law fees, a will certificate costs Rp500,000 and an inheritance certificate issued by the Estate Office (Balai Harta Peninggalan) Rp200,000. Notary and court costs are separate.

## Official sources

1. [Inpres 1/1991: penyebarluasan Kompilasi Hukum Islam](https://peraturan.bpk.go.id/Details/293351/inpres-no-1-tahun-1991) (accessed 2026-10-01)
2. [JDIH BPK: PP 30/2026 tentang jenis dan tarif PNBP Kementerian Hukum](https://peraturan.bpk.go.id/Details/351388/pp-no-30-tahun-2026) (accessed 2026-10-01)
3. [BPJS Ketenagakerjaan: dokumen ahli waris untuk klaim](https://www.bpjsketenagakerjaan.go.id/cara-klaim.html) (accessed 2026-10-01)

## Related guides

- [Marriage and divorce in Indonesia](https://panduanwarga.org/en/guides/marriage-divorce-indonesia/)
- [Death registration and family support in Indonesia](https://panduanwarga.org/en/guides/death-registration-and-elder-care/)
- [Sentuh Tanahku: land-certificate information and case tracking](https://panduanwarga.org/en/guides/sentuh-tanahku-land-records/)

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Source: Panduan Warga, https://panduanwarga.org/en/guides/wills-inheritance-power-of-attorney/ (reviewed 2026-10-01). General information, not legal or financial advice; current agency rules take precedence.