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Bali is a province of Indonesia rather than a separate jurisdiction, so employment background checks there follow Indonesian national law. The practical difference is the local labour market, which is heavily weighted towards hospitality, tourism, construction, and a large population of foreign workers and remote employers.
What employers can check
Identity through the KTP national identity card, employment history, and academic qualifications are the standard verifications. Confirming qualifications directly with the issuing institution is worthwhile, since certificate fraud is a known issue. For hospitality and tourism roles, reference checks with previous employers tend to be the most informative step.
Criminal record checks
The relevant document is the SKCK, the Surat Keterangan Catatan Kepolisian, issued by the Indonesian National Police. Candidates apply at the police office covering their registered address, with the level of office depending on the purpose of the certificate. The SKCK is issued to the individual and has a limited validity period, so ask for a current one. It is expected in financial services, private security, education, healthcare, and any role involving children or cash handling.
Data protection
Indonesia’s Personal Data Protection Law introduced consent, purpose limitation, and security obligations broadly modelled on the GDPR, with meaningful penalties for misuse. Obtain written consent before screening, tell the candidate what you are collecting and why, keep it proportionate to the role, and do not retain unsuccessful applicants’ data.
Foreign workers
Employing a foreign national requires an approved manpower plan and the correct work and stay permits, and the role must be one that foreign nationals are permitted to hold. Screening runs alongside that process rather than replacing it.
Practical guidance
Apply the same checks to everyone considered for a role, keep signed consent on file, and allow time for the SKCK. An employer of record can manage screening, permits, and payroll if you have no Indonesian entity.
