Is Baton Legal in Indonesia After the 2026 Law Changes?

Yes, Batons are legal in Indonesia for personal defense under strict licensing by the Indonesian National Police (Kepolisian Negara Republik Indonesia), per Article 2 of Government Regulation No. 25/2021. Civilian possession requires a Surat Izin Bersenjata (SIB) from the local police, with issuance contingent on proof of threat assessment and training certification. Unlicensed possession risks confiscation under Law No. 12/2011 on Firearms and Explosives, with penalties including fines or imprisonment up to 10 years.


Key Regulations for Baton in Indonesia

  • Licensing Mandate: Only expandable batons (e.g., telescopic or baton-style) are permitted; fixed batons are classified as “cold weapons” under Perkapolri No. 1/2021, requiring SIB approval. Applicants must submit a threat justification, undergo background checks, and complete a police-approved self-defense course.
  • Prohibited Use: Batons cannot be carried in public spaces without prior authorization, per Peraturan Menteri Hukum dan HAM No. 10/2022. Use in altercations may trigger criminal liability under Kitab Undang-Undang Hukum Pidana (KUHP) Article 170 for “illegal violence.”
  • 2026 Compliance Shift: The National Police are piloting a Digital SIB System in Jakarta, Jabar, and Bali, mandating biometric verification and real-time inventory tracking for licensed batons. Failure to register by 2026 may result in automatic revocation of existing permits.