Sworn Interpreter in the Indonesian Court

An Interpreter Court in Indonesia usually works as a freelancer and can be hired by the court, the prosecutor’s office, or by the client as the defendant or the witnesses and provide interpretation service. The service is provided for those who cannot speak the Indonesian language or speak different language including local dialects in Indonesia. Usually, the court interpreter works to interpret the witness or the defendant. An interpreter in the court works by verbally translating or interpreting all the conversation taken place in the courtroom.

All the conversations or discussions in the court in Indonesia can be interpreted simultaneously or consecutively.  In the first method, the interpreter listens and then translates it at the same time while in consecutive there is a pause between after the speaker talk and the interpretation. It can be delivered by sentence or by phrases.

In Indonesia, the court requires a certified or license and sworn translator to become the interpreter in the court. Mostly, the interpreter has a sworn translator certificate o or license having the following certificate:

The original certificate or license as the interpreter in the court must be shown and presented to the panel of judges before the session starts. After the verification, the judge and the clerk will need the copy as a file. Documents required before working as an interpreter in Indonesian court:

• Resident Identity Card and a copy
• Permit Letter/Proof of Certification as the Court Interpreter in Indonesia (Sworn Translator certificate issued by the Government and Governor of DKI Jakarta)
• CV（Curriculum Vitae)
• Official assignment letter from the institution as the interpreter in the court

Where can I get a court interpreter in Indonesia?

You can contact a translation company PT Indo Lingua Translocalize at the following address/contact:

Can I have a pre-trial meeting to discuss the detail of the court proceeding?

Yes, You can ask the interpreter to attend a meeting or discussion to discuss the mechanics or strategy with the interpreter. The interpreter is a sworn translator that must keep all discussions confidential and have master the knowledge and legal terminology and can sign an NDA. The interpreter is also available for the court session in arbitration court or BANI in Indonesia.

Additional Reading

Penerjemah di Pengadilan (Court Interpreter in Indonesian)

Penerjemah Tersumpah Putusan Pengadilan