Foreign research vessels conducting marine research in Indonesian waters must address two main concerns: legality and operational support.
Legal Requirements
By law, any foreign entity conducting marine research in Indonesia must collaborate with an Indonesian government agency, usually BRIN (Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional). A foreign research vessel must appoint a licensed General Agent to coordinate with officials for necessary permits and documentation. The General Agent also provides operational support, including bunkering, provisioning, supplies, deliveries, crew changes, hotel accommodations, air ticket arrangements, spare part sourcing, and more. Indonusa is a licensed General Agent.
RV. Ocean Explorer - Benoa Port Bali
Prior to Arrival
Several permits and documents must be obtained before the vessel’s arrival, but these can only be processed once the research plans with the Indonesian government agency are finalized. Since one document is often linked to another, delays can occur.
To expedite the clearance process, the sooner the agreement between the foreign research vessel operator and the Indonesian party is settled—and the sooner the vessel provides required documents such as vessel certification, details on research equipment, and crew/personnel data—the faster Indonusa can process the necessary clearances.
Key permits include:
Security clearance
Temporary import approval
Visa arrangements
Call permits
Underwater work permits (if submersible equipment or diving activities are involved)
Drone or helicopter flight approval (if included in the research plan)
Arrival at an Indonesian Port of Entry
Indonesia has multiple international ports of entry, and selecting the right one is crucial. Some ports are more research-vessel-friendly than others, depending on factors such as customs efficiency, berthing facilities, and equipment handling capabilities. Engaging a General Agent beforehand ensures a smoother process.
Upon arrival, the following formalities must be completed:
Temporary importation processing
Quarantine, Immigration, Customs, and Port Inward Clearance
This process typically takes at least three working days (excluding weekends and public holidays). Friday arrivals should be avoided in Muslim-majority regions, as Friday prayers may cause delays.
Indonusa personnel will be present at the port of entry before the vessel's arrival to assist with formalities, facilitate crew and scientist joining, coordinate security officers or liaisons, and oversee any necessary equipment deliveries.
Commencing Research in Indonesian Waters
Before departing the port, a Port Clearance Out must be obtained, and the assigned Security Officer or Security Liaison should already be onboard.
For underwater research involving ROVs, manned/unmanned submersibles, or diving activities, an underwater work permit is required. A post-research report must be submitted, including:
Geographical coordinates and charts of the activity
Underwater photos and videos
Operational details
If there is a crew change, foreign crew members signing on/off must have their visas processed. Scientists or crew members leaving Indonesia permanently must obtain an Exit Permit Only (EPO) to cancel their visas.
Crew members staying onboard but wanting to go ashore at ports require shore passes.
Moving Between Indonesian Ports
Each inter-port movement requires a Port Clearance. Since foreigners are onboard, immigration clearance is also necessary. While Quarantine and Customs inspections are not generally required for inter-port transfers, some ports may request them, especially Quarantine inspections.
Departing Indonesia
At the end of the research expedition, all visas for departing crew members will be automatically canceled. However, scientists who are disembarking in Indonesia must process an Exit Permit Only (EPO) to cancel their visas.
Just like arrival procedures, departure formalities involve:
Re-export clearance for the vessel
Visa cancellations
Quarantine, Customs, Immigration, and Port Outward Clearance
While this process still takes a few working days, it is generally much simpler than the arrival process.
Indonusa's Commitment
Indonusa ensures smooth research operations by placing personnel at every key location—whether at the port of entry, ports within Indonesia, or the final port of exit. Even when partnering with local port agents, Indonusa maintains its presence to oversee critical procedures.
With extensive experience in research vessel operations, Indonusa understands that research vessels require specialized support—different from yachts or transport vessels. As a licensed General Agent, we are dedicated to providing seamless assistance to foreign research vessels operating in Indonesian waters.
Further Information & Contact
INDONUSA MARINE SERVICES
PT. INDONUSA TENGGARA MARINE
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