Complete List of Vehicle License Plate Codes Across Indonesia

Have you ever passed a car with an attractive design on the toll road, and wondered which city it came from? Or perhaps you are planning to buy a used car and want to verify the vehicle's region of origin to estimate the transfer (mutasi) costs?

The Motor Vehicle Number Sign (TNKB), or commonly referred to as the License Plate, is the primary identity of every vehicle on the road. For a smart driver, understanding these codes is not just about memorizing letters, but understanding demographics and traffic regulations.

This article will be your complete reference regarding vehicle regional codes throughout the archipelago, as well as the latest updates on license plate color regulations.

Reading License Plate Anatomy

Before diving into the regional list, let's dissect the structure of the TNKB in Indonesia. A standard license plate consists of three main parts:

1. Front Letter Code: Indicates the vehicle's registration region (Residency or Province). Example: B for Greater Jakarta (Jadetabek).
2. Numbers: The registration sequence number.
3. Rear Letter Code: Indicates the sub-region (City/Regency) and vehicle type.
   • Example: B 1234 SZA. The letter B is Jakarta, S in the rear section usually indicates the South Jakarta region.

Color Transformation: Why White Now?

You may have noticed an increasing number of cars with white base plates and black text. This is not a modification, but an official police regulation (Perpol No. 7 of 2021). The change from a black base to white aims to improve the accuracy of ETLE (Electronic Traffic Law Enforcement) cameras in reading license plates, especially at night.

Complete List of License Plate Codes by Island

Here is a compilation of license plate codes (Front Letters) from Sabang to Merauke.

1. Sumatra Island

The Sumatra region has quite a few code variations, stretching from Aceh to Lampung.

2. Java Island (DKI, Banten, West Java)

The center of the largest vehicle population in Indonesia.

3. Java Island (Central Java, DIY, East Java)

4. Bali & Nusa Tenggara

Tourist destinations with iconic plate codes.

5. Kalimantan Island

6. Sulawesi Island

7. Maluku & Papua

"Blue Plates": The New Symbol of Prestige on the Road

Besides regional codes, there is one type of license plate that is now increasingly visible and catching attention: Plates with a blue list at the bottom (or side on older models).

This is a special marker for Battery-Based Electric Motor Vehicles (KBLBB). This plate is not just a visual identity, but also a "VIP ticket" on the capital's roads.

Privileges of Using "Blue Plates"

Driving a car with a blue-listed plate, such as the Chery Omoda E5, provides practical advantages that standard plates do not have:

1. Odd-Even Exemption: You can cross Jakarta's protocol roads (like Sudirman-Thamrin) anytime without worrying about the date.
2. Tax Incentives: Motor Vehicle Tax (PKB) and Title Transfer Fee (BBN) costs are much lower compared to conventional cars.
3. Lifestyle Symbol: Shows your commitment to future technology and environmental sustainability.

Smart Choice for Modern Mobility

Whether you use plate B (Jakarta), L (Surabaya), or DK (Bali), choosing the right vehicle is key to comfort.

• If you want limitless mobility without odd-even restrictions, the Chery Omoda E5 with a range of 430 KM is the most sensible futuristic choice.
• However, if you need the toughness of a premium SUV to explore various regional codes from A (Banten) to P (Banyuwangi), the Chery Tiggo 8 CSH offers performance and First Class cabin luxury ready to accompany your long journeys.

Conclusion

The license plate code is the identity of the vehicle's origin, but the type of vehicle you choose determines the quality of your trip. By understanding regional codes, you can be more aware of the character of drivers from various regions.

Ready to replace your old license plate with a more advanced new unit? Visit the nearest Chery dealer and experience true driving innovation.

Note: The list of codes above may undergo expansion or changes according to the policies of the National Police Traffic Corps (Korlantas Polri) and local Regional Government Regulations.