A passport is an official document issued by a government to its citizens as proof of identity and permission to travel abroad. For many, a passport is synonymous with plans to vacation, study, or work abroad. However, a frequently asked question arises: is it permissible to apply for a passport even if you don't have a clear purpose for your trip?
The answer is yes . In Indonesia, you don't need to have a travel plan or plane ticket to a specific country to apply for a passport. Let's delve deeper into why this is allowed, the procedure, and the benefits of having a passport even if you don't have any travel plans.
Do You Have to Have a Travel Purpose?
Many people assume that to apply for a passport, they need to show a plane ticket or an invitation from abroad. However, immigration doesn't require this .
According to the Directorate General of Immigration, passport applicants only need to fulfill administrative requirements such as an electronic ID card (e-KTP), family card (Kartu Keluarga), birth certificate, or other supporting documents. Proof of travel is not required.
This means you can apply for a passport even if you don't know when or where you're going. Passports are valid for 10 years (for regular passports), so you can use them whenever you decide to travel.
Functions of Passport
Before getting into the core discussion, it is important to understand the function of a passport:
- International official identity : Passport is proof of citizenship recognized worldwide.
- International travel requirements : Without a passport, you cannot pass through airport immigration.
- Supporting documents : Passports are often used for other purposes, such as opening an international bank account, applying for a visa, or even as an additional identity document within the country.
In other words, a passport is not only for people who are certain they will travel, but can also be owned as a form of preparation.
Procedures for Making a Passport in Indonesia
The process for applying for a passport in Indonesia is quite simple. Here are the general steps:
- Prepare documents
- Original e-KTP and photocopy
- Family card
- Birth certificate or diploma (to match data)
- Old passport (if renewed)
- Register online
Use the M-Passport app or the official immigration website to register, select an immigration office, and schedule an interview. - Pay passport fees
- 48-page ordinary passport: Rp. 350,000
- e-Passport (biometric): Rp. 650,000
- Come to the immigration office
Bring original documents, conduct an interview, and record biometrics (photo and fingerprints). - Take your passport
The process usually takes 3–10 business days. Once completed, you can pick up your passport directly at the immigration office.
Benefits of Making a Passport Even if You Don't Have Any Plans
Why do some people apply for a passport even though they don't have a specific travel destination? Here are the reasons:
- Early preparation
If a sudden opportunity arises, such as a scholarship, job, or conference invitation, you don't need to rush to apply for a passport. - Make visa processing easier
Many countries require a passport with at least six months' validity to apply for a visa. By obtaining a passport early, you can apply for a visa at any time. - Additional identity
Passports can be used as official identity documents in addition to KTP, especially for certain administrative purposes. - Travel flexibility
With a passport in hand, you can more freely plan your trip abroad without having to wait for the passport-making process which can be time-consuming.
Risks or Things to Watch Out For
Although it is permitted, there are several things to note:
- Limited validity period
An Indonesian passport is valid for 10 years. If you apply for a passport now but don't plan to travel until 8 years from now, it will only be valid for 2 years. - Manufacturing costs
Applying for a passport certainly costs money. If you don't have any plans yet, make sure this expense isn't a burden. - Data changes
If there is a change in your marital status, name, or population data, you may need to update your passport to match other official documents.
Conclusion
So, it's perfectly acceptable and legal to apply for a passport even if you don't have a clear purpose for your trip. Immigration doesn't require you to show a ticket or travel itinerary when applying for a passport.
In fact, getting a passport early can offer many benefits: you'll be better prepared for unexpected opportunities, it'll be easier to apply for visas, and you'll have an official, internationally recognized form of identification. However, be mindful of the validity period and the cost of obtaining a passport to ensure it's truly useful.
In other words, applying for a passport without a travel purpose is not only permissible, but can also be a smart move to prepare yourself for future opportunities.
