Guide to Handling the Deceased for Indonesian Citizens in Japan
(A General Overview from Initial Steps to Burial)
Losing a family member or relative overseas is a profoundly difficult time. The following guide has been compiled by the Social Affairs Division of KMII Jepang to help you understand the necessary steps to take if an Indonesian citizen (WNI) passes away in Japan.
Stage 1: Initial Steps Based on the Circumstances of Death
The first actions you must take depend on the location and cause of death:
- If passing away at home (while under medical care/illness and the next of kin/person in charge is present):
- Contact the attending doctor immediately.
- Request a Death Certificate or Shibou Shindansho (死亡診断書) from the doctor.
- If passing away at a hospital (while under medical care/illness and the next of kin/person in charge is present):
- Request a Death Certificate or Shibou Shindansho (死亡診断書) from the doctor or hospital staff.
- Once the documents are issued, the deceased can be brought home or moved to another resting place.
- If passing away suddenly at home or elsewhere (the cause of death and person in charge are UNCLEAR):
- Contact the police immediately.
- Hand over the deceased to the authorities for an autopsy.
- Request an Autopsy Report or Shitai Ken'ansho (死体検案書) from the police.
Stage 2: Document Processing at the City Hall (Shiyakusho)
After obtaining the Death Certificate from the doctor or the Autopsy Report from the police, immediately process the administration at the City Hall (Shiyakusho / Kuyakusho) of the deceased's registered residence:
- Submit a Notification of Death or Shibou Todoke (死亡届).
- Return the deceased's Residence Card or Zairyu Card (在留カード).
- Ensure you request the following two important documents:
- Certificate of Acceptance of Death Notification: Shibou Todoke Juri Shoumeisho (死亡届受理証明書).
- Certificate of Matters Stated in the Death Notification: Shibou Todoke Kisai Jikou Shoumeisho (死亡届記載事項証明書).
Stage 3: Reporting to the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI Tokyo)
The next step is to officially report the death to the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI):
- Visit the embassy in person to report the death, bringing the documents obtained from the City Hall.
- Submit the deceased's original Indonesian ID Card (KTP) and Passport.
- The embassy will issue an Official Death Certificate or Shibou Shoumeisho (死亡証明書).
Stage 4: Determining the Person in Charge & Islamic Rites
- Family/Relatives in Japan: Will act as the primary person(s) in charge, responsible for arranging the entire funeral process.
- If There is No Clear Person in Charge: The Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) will step in to represent the deceased and manage the arrangements.
- Islamic Funeral Rites: Coordinate with the Indonesian Embassy, KMII Jepang, or the nearest mosque (such as the Indonesian Mosque Tokyo / MIT) for the process of washing the body (ghusl), shrouding (kafan), and performing the funeral prayer (salat al-janazah).
Stage 5: Burial Location Options
There are two primary options for the final resting place of the deceased:
Option A: Repatriation & Burial in Indonesia
- You must utilize the services of a company specializing in international repatriation of human remains.
- This company will handle all requirements, including export documents, the embalming process, and coordinating the cargo flight of the deceased from Japan back to Indonesia.
Option B: Burial in Japan
- Consult your burial plans and requirements with KMII Jepang or the nearest mosque.
- The administrative process for securing a cemetery plot and arranging a hearse to transport the deceased to the burial site in Japan will be coordinated with the assistance of KMII Jepang or the nearest mosque.
"O Allah, we truly ask You for a good end to our lives (husnul khatimah) and we seek refuge in You from a bad end (su'ul khatimah)."
Social Affairs Division of KMII Jepang | @kmiijepang