People living in Indonesia are now able to register for international driver permits online as the National Police have launched a service to ease the process of applying for the document, which is valid for use in 188 foreign countries.

National Police Traffic Corps head Insp. Gen. Istiono said that Indonesia had cooperated with 188 countries so that international driving permit holders from the country would be able to use their licenses there.

“All ASEAN [countries] are included among the 188 countries,” Istiono said as quoted by kompas.com on Friday, without elaborating on the other countries.

The National Police’s Traffic Corps launched on Friday a new feature that enables drivers to register and pay for international driving permits online.

Before the online feature, applicants had to register themselves manually by visiting the police’s international driving permit center in South Jakarta.

With the online feature, applicants — who must already have driving licenses — can register themselves through the traffic corps website for an international driving permit registration.

After filling out the form and making the payment, applicants will still need to visit the police’s international driving permit center in South Jakarta and bring the required documents, including their ID card, national driving license and passport, as well as copies of the registration form and payment.

Foreign citizens living in Indonesia are particularly required to bring their permanent stay visa permit (KITAP).

By allowing permit applicants to register themselves through the online feature, Istiono expected that it would be able to reduce corrupt practices in the permit-issuing process.

“This feature upgrade should make our service more accessible to the public,” Istiono said as quoted by Antara. (dpk)