Bringing Keris to Indonesia from Overseas

A. G. Maisey · 19th March 2026, 04:13 AM

I have taken keris into Indonesia, through Bali, a few times, it has never been a pleasant experience. The last few times Customs have asked for a police letter giving me permission to bring keris in.

About 3 years ago I took half a dozen or so keris in to get work done on them. I got two young Customs gentlemen who looked as if they should still have been in school --- who knows? Maybe they were, maybe they were on work experience.

Anyway, they asked for the police letter, so I pulled out the B709B police document from Australia, pretended to lose my temper, waved it in their faces pointed to the "Police" on the document and they waved me through very politely.

However, I have been looking after a keris for nearly 50 years for a family in Solo, waiting until somebody in the family was prepared to take it back & take responsibility for its care. Last year I finally was advised of a candidate, but rather than take it myself, I gave it to an Australian government employee who has very good connections & special powers. In a few weeks he will deliver to a relative of mine in Solo & my relative will ensure that it gets to where it needs to be.

In short:- I've always been able to bluff my way through, you might not be so lucky, or alternatively, they might take no notice of you. Try to get some sort of document from police or Indonesian Consulate/Embassy where you are now.

19th March 2026, 04:13 AM	#3
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,191	I have taken keris into Indonesia, through Bali, a few times, it has never been a pleasant experience. The last few times Customs have asked for a police letter giving me permission to bring keris in. About 3 years ago I took half a dozen or so keris in to get work done on them. I got two young Customs gentlemen who looked as if they should still have been in school --- who knows? Maybe they were, maybe they were on work experience. Anyway, they asked for the police letter, so I pulled out the B709B police document from Australia, pretended to lose my temper, waved it in their faces pointed to the "Police" on the document and they waved me through very politely. However, I have been looking after a keris for nearly 50 years for a family in Solo, waiting until somebody in the family was prepared to take it back & take responsibility for its care. Last year I finally was advised of a candidate, but rather than take it myself, I gave it to an Australian government employee who has very good connections & special powers. In a few weeks he will deliver to a relative of mine in Solo & my relative will ensure that it gets to where it needs to be. In short:- I've always been able to bluff my way through, you might not be so lucky, or alternatively, they might take no notice of you. Try to get some sort of document from police or Indonesian Consulate/Embassy where you are now.