Surat Keterangan Belum Menikah (SKBM) is a document issued by the Indonesian government that proves an individual’s unmarried status. This certificate is often required for various official purposes such as applying for a passport, getting married, or applying for a job.
Who Can Apply for SKBM?
SKBM can be applied by Indonesian citizens or foreign nationals who are currently residing in Indonesia. The minimum age requirement for applying for SKBM is 21 years for men and 19 years for women.
Applicants must provide their identity card (KTP) or passport and pay a fee to obtain the certificate. The certificate is issued by the local civil registry office (Dinas Kependudukan dan Catatan Sipil).
Why is SKBM Important?
SKBM is a crucial document that is required for various official procedures in Indonesia. For instance, it is mandatory to submit an SKBM certificate when applying for a passport or getting married.
Employers may also require an SKBM certificate from job applicants to ensure that they are not hiring someone who is already married. Additionally, banks and financial institutions may ask for an SKBM certificate when a person applies for a loan or credit card.
How to Apply for SKBM?
Applying for SKBM is a simple process that can be done at the local civil registry office. The applicant must provide their identity card or passport and pay the fee to obtain the certificate.
It is important to note that the certificate is only valid for six months from the date of issuance. Therefore, it is advisable to apply for the certificate as close to the date when it will be required for official purposes.
What Happens If You Get Married After Obtaining SKBM?
If an individual gets married after obtaining an SKBM certificate, they must apply for a new certificate to prove their married status. The new certificate is called Surat Keterangan Sudah Menikah (SKSM).
Similar to SKBM, SKSM is also a mandatory document that is required for various official procedures such as passport application or changing the name on a driving license.
What If You Are Divorced or Widowed?
If an individual is divorced or widowed, they must provide a copy of their divorce certificate or death certificate of their spouse when applying for a new certificate to prove their marital status.
The new certificate will reflect their current marital status as divorced or widowed. It is important to keep all the documents relating to marital status up-to-date for official purposes.
What Are the Consequences of Providing False Information in SKBM?
Providing false information in SKBM can have serious consequences. It is considered a criminal offense under Indonesian law, and the individual can be fined or jailed for up to six months.
If the individual has used the false certificate to obtain a passport or other official documents, they may face further legal action and their documents may be revoked.
Conclusion
SKBM is a crucial document that proves an individual’s unmarried status in Indonesia. It is required for various official procedures such as passport application, getting married or applying for a job.
Applying for SKBM is a simple process that can be done at the local civil registry office. It is important to keep all the documents relating to marital status up-to-date for official purposes.
