Indonesia's CAIT — the Clearance Approval for Indonesian Territory — has been the entry system for foreign yachts since the Vessel Declaration framework was established, replacing the older system that required boats to enter through a small number of designated rally events. For 2026, updates to how CAIT applications are processed, what insurance documentation is acceptable, and which ports of entry are active have created questions for sailors planning Indonesian passages. This guide covers what has changed and what it means for your yacht.
Note: Our 2026 CAIT guide builds on the foundational CAIT insurance overview already published on this site. If you're new to the CAIT system, read that guide first for the insurance basics, then return here for the 2026 regulatory updates.
What the CAIT Is and Who Issues It
The CAIT is issued by the Indonesian government through a coordinated inter-agency process involving: - Imigrasi (Immigration): Crew visa status - Bea Cukai (Customs): Vessel and cargo declaration - Karantina (Quarantine/Health): Vessel health inspection - KPLP (Marine Police): Maritime security clearance - Syahbandar (Harbour Master's Office, KSOP): Port clearance and vessel documentation
All five agencies must sign off before a valid CAIT is issued. Your Indonesian yacht agent coordinates this process and submits the application on your behalf.
2026 Updates: What Has Changed
Digital Pre-Arrival Submission
The most significant process change in 2026 is the push toward digital pre-arrival submission through the INAPORTNET system. INAPORTNET is Indonesia's port information management platform, and the 2026 directive from the Directorate General of Sea Transportation (HUBLA) requires agents to submit foreign vessel arrival notifications through the system rather than via paper filing.
In practice, the change affects your agent more than you directly — your job is to ensure you appoint an agent registered with INAPORTNET and to provide all documentation in digital format at least seven days before arrival. Paper copies remain required on-board for inspection.
Insurance Documentation Format
2026 brings clearer guidance on what insurance documentation CAIT officers accept. The updated requirements specify:
The certificate must be in English (or accompanied by a certified English translation).
The certificate must explicitly state: - Indonesian territorial waters are covered (not just "Southeast Asia" or "Pacific") - Third-party liability limit (minimum USD 300,000; USD 500,000 or more increasingly expected at major ports) - Wreck removal coverage is included with adequate sublimit - Policy period covering the planned Indonesian cruising period
The certificate should ideally show: - The CAIT application number (once issued) or Indonesian port agent details - Lloyd's or internationally recognised insurer name and policy reference
2026 adds an increased expectation at several ports — Batam, Bintan, and Benoa Harbour in Bali — that wreck removal coverage is specifically mentioned on the certificate, not just implied by policy wording. Ask your insurer to provide a certificate that explicitly references wreck removal.
Active Ports of Entry in 2026
The list of approved CAIT entry ports is managed by HUBLA and updated periodically. For 2026, the primary ports of entry for foreign yachts are:
Western entries (Malacca/Singapore approach): - Batam (Sekupang or Nongsa Ferry Terminal) - Bintan (Tanjung Pinang)
Bali and Lesser Sundas: - Benoa Harbour, Bali — the primary international yacht clearance port - Kupang, West Timor — for vessels arriving from Australia via the Kimberley Coast/Darwin route
East Indonesia: - Sorong, West Papua — gateway for Raja Ampat passages - Ambon, Maluku — gateway for Banda Sea and eastern passage
Sulawesi: - Bitung, North Sulawesi - Makassar, South Sulawesi
In 2026, Lombok (Lembar Harbour) has been added as a provisional entry port under a pilot programme — confirm current status with your agent before planning Lombok as your first port of entry, as the programme may be subject to change.
Duration and Renewal
The standard CAIT remains valid for three years from the date of issue, for a single entry-exit cycle. Within that three-year window, the vessel must enter and exit Indonesia once — the permit does not allow unlimited re-entries.
For vessels wishing to return to Indonesia within the three-year period, a new CAIT application is required. The process is the same as the initial application — there is no simplified renewal route.
Annual renewals of a within-Indonesia cruising permit: Vessels wishing to remain in Indonesian waters beyond the standard cruising period covered by the initial CAIT must work with their agent to extend or renew the local port clearances. This is distinct from the CAIT itself (which remains valid for three years) — it relates to the periodic harbour master clearances required at each Indonesian port.
Bali vs Batam: Choosing Your Entry Point
The two most common first-port-of-entry choices for foreign yachts are Bali (Benoa Harbour) and Batam (Sekupang/Nongsa). The right choice depends on your route:
Batam is the logical entry for vessels coming from Singapore, the Malacca Strait, or Malaysia. The port is efficient and handles a large volume of clearances. The downside: Batam itself is industrial, and the sailing in the immediate area is limited. The advantage is proximity to Singapore as a services base.
Bali (Benoa) is the logical entry for vessels arriving from Australia, Thailand/Phuket (via the Malacca Strait and south), or vessels making the Komodo/Raja Ampat circuit from the west. Benoa handles the majority of cruising yacht clearances and has the most experienced yacht agents.
Insurance documentation is checked at both, but Benoa Harbour officers are generally most experienced with international yacht clearance formats and Lloyd's certificates are readily recognised there.
What Happens If You Get It Wrong
The consequences of arriving in Indonesian waters without a valid CAIT, or with incorrect insurance documentation, are serious:
Vessel detention: The Marine Police can detain a vessel arriving without valid CAIT documentation. Detained vessels are held at the harbour master's disposal until paperwork is resolved — this can take days or weeks.
Fines: Financial penalties apply for regulatory non-compliance. The amount varies by port and the specific violation.
Deportation of crew: Immigration violations can result in crew members being deported. This is rare but has occurred.
Insurance voiding risk: If your insurer was not informed you were sailing to Indonesia without proper permits, you may face a policy compliance question on any claims arising from the un-permitted period.
The remedy is straightforward: apply for the CAIT at least six to eight weeks before your planned Indonesian arrival, appoint a licensed yacht agent, and ensure your insurance documentation explicitly meets the 2026 requirements before the application is submitted.
Recommended Agents for CAIT Applications
Several Indonesian yacht agents have established strong reputations for managing CAIT applications efficiently:
Bali (Benoa area): Multiple established agents operate in the Bali area. Look for agents who are INAPORTNET-registered and have handled recent CAIT applications (within 12 months) for international rally participants.
Sorong (Raja Ampat gateway): Specialist Raja Ampat agents also manage the CAIT process for vessels arriving at Sorong. The Raja Ampat Marine Park Card and vessel permit process is separate from CAIT but your agent can coordinate all three simultaneously.
Our advisors maintain contact with established Indonesian yacht agents and can introduce you to appropriate agent contacts when arranging your insurance documentation. Contact us with your vessel details and planned Indonesian itinerary to start the process.
