How to Send Goods from Indonesia to Abroad for TKI

To send goods from Indonesia abroad, prepare the package in safe packaging, weigh and measure it to determine the collectible weight, fill in the recipient data complete with the local telephone number of the destination country, declare the contents of the package honestly, then hand it over to the forwarder before the flight cut-off time. For shipments to West Malaysia, the estimated rate in July 2026 starts from Rp45.000 per kg for large weights, while to Taiwan around Rp79.234 per kg for Regular service.

This guide is aimed at Indonesian migrant workers (PMI/TKI), students, and families in Indonesia who want to send clothes, dry food, Indomie, cooking spices, over-the-counter medicines, or souvenirs to relatives abroad. We discuss rates per country, flight schedules, how to calculate weight, rules for sending food, and a list of items to avoid.

Step by Step Sending Goods Abroad

1. List the contents of the package. Write details of the contents along with the quantity and estimated value. This list forms the basis of the declaration document.
2. Check destination country restrictions. Each country has a different list of prohibited and restricted items, especially for food.
3. Pack it tightly. Use double-wall cardboard, fill the cavity with bubble or paper, tape all the joints, then label your name and address on the inside and outside of the cardboard.
4. Weigh and measure. Record the actual weight and calculate the volume weight using the formula (L x W x H cm) / 5000.
5. Complete recipient data. Name according to official document, complete address with postal code, and local telephone number of destination country. For Malaysia, a local number is mandatory.
6. Send before cut-off. Generally the cut-off is D-1 flight at 17.00 WIB.
7. Save the receipt and monitor tracking until the package is received.

Shipping Rates to Malaysia (Estimated Rate July 2026)

The following rates are estimated rates for July 2026 from our forwarder partners, ex-Jakarta or Tangerang, Regular services, and already all-in without additional bills. The figure we mentioned at the beginning is the figure you pay, because all handling costs are included in the rate per kilogram. Estimated arrival time for West Malaysia is 5-7 working days.

What is meant by sensitive items are goods that require special handling in air cargo, for example perfume and alcoholic liquids, power banks, and devices that contain lithium batteries. This item is charged a flat rate per kilogram regardless of total weight.

Rates and Services to Taiwan

Rounding rules determine the final bill. On Regular services, a 1.01 kg package is calculated as 2 kg. Therefore, re-weighing at home and reducing the contents of the package a little sometimes saves tens of thousands of Rupiah. Rounding rules may differ between routes and periods, so please confirm with our team before sending.

Flight Schedule and Cut-Off per Country

Cut-off is generally H-1 flight at 17.00 WIB. Packages that arrive after the cut-off will wait for the next schedule, which for weekly frequency countries such as Brunei, UAE and Korea means a full week delay. You can see details of other routes on the page delivery rates.

How to Calculate Postage: Three Real Examples

Example 1: Basic food packages to Kuala Lumpur

Package contents: 1 box of fried Indomie 40 pcs (3.4 kg), factory packaged instant spices (1 kg), crackers (0.6 kg), clothes (1.5 kg). Total actual weight 6.5 kg. Cardboard measuring 45 x 35 x 30 cm.

• Volume weight = (45 x 35 x 30) / 5000 = 47,250 / 5000 = 9.45 kg
• Collectible weight = largest number = 9.45 kg, rounded to 10 kg
• Class rate 6-10 kg = Rp53.000 per kg
• Postage = 10 x Rp53.000 = Rp530.000

Now see what happens when the package is packed more densely to 40 x 30 x 25 cm:

• Volume weight = (40 x 30 x 25) / 5000 = 30,000 / 5000 = 6 kg
• Actual weight is 6.5 kg greater, so collectible weight = 6.5 kg, rounded to 7 kg
• Postage = 7 x Rp53.000 = Rp371.000
• Save Rp159.000 just by shrinking the cardboard

Use the volume weight calculator to try out several sizes of cardboard before you buy duct tape.

Example 2: Package to Taiwan, Regular vs Express

The package contains instant spices, coffee, crackers and clothes. Actual weight 8.3 kg, cardboard 50 x 40 x 30 cm.

• Volume weight = (50 x 40 x 30) / 5000 = 60,000 / 5000 = 12 kg
• After adding the weight of the protective packaging, the collectible weight becomes 12.96 kg
• Regular: rounded up to 13 kg, postage = 13 x Rp79.234 = Rp1.030.042
• Express: excess 0.96 is calculated plus 2 kg so it becomes 14 kg, postage = 14 x Rp323.200 = Rp4.524.800

The difference is Rp3.494.758. For non-urgent items like groceries and clothing, Regular service obviously makes a lot more sense. The new express is relevant for important documents or medicines that are needed urgently.

Example 3: Large package to Kota Kinabalu and perfume package to Johor

• Package to Kota Kinabalu (East Malaysia), collectible weight 22 kg, in class 21-50 kg with rate Rp95.000 per kg. Postage = 22 x Rp95.000 = Rp2.090.000.
• A 3 kg perfume package to Johor (West Malaysia) is classified as a sensitive item with a flat rate Rp80.000 per kg. Postage = 3 x Rp80.000 = Rp240.000, compared to Rp195.000 for non-sensitive goods at a rate of Rp65.000 per kg. The difference Rp45.000 is a special handling fee.

All nominal rates above are estimated rates for July 2026 and may change according to aviation fuel prices, exchange rates and airline policies. Always confirm the latest rates before sending.

Rules for Sending Food: Indomie, Rendang, and Bumbu

Food is the most popular delivery for PMI, but also the most problematic in quarantine. There are four basic principles.

1. Packaging must be factory sealed

Homemade foods, self-pressed plastic packaging, or bulk products are almost always rejected. Accepted are commercial products in original unopened factory packaging, complete with language of origin label, ingredients list, production date and expiration date.

2. Meat and dairy products are banned in many countries

Australia, Japan and Taiwan apply very strict biosecurity rules. Meat and processed products such as rendang, beef floss, beef jerky, sausages, as well as dairy products and eggs are generally prohibited from entering, even if the packaging is factory sealed and has been thoroughly cooked.

3. The declaration must be honest

Fill in the declaration form as is. Inspection officers in the destination country open packages at random and match them with the form, so hiding or misrepresenting the contents of the package not only results in the package being destroyed, but can also result in large fines and registration of violations in the name of the recipient. In some countries, fines for not declaring food can reach thousands of dollars and affect the recipient’s visa status. Never ask the sender to write contents that are different from reality in order to pass the package.

4. The risk of destruction is borne by the sender

If inspection in the destination country confiscates or destroys the package, there will be no replacement from the airline or forwarder. Postage that has been paid will also not be returned. Therefore choosing the contents of the package correctly from the start is much cheaper than gambling, and asking first is always better than sending something questionable.

The table above is a general summary and is not a substitute for official regulations. Quarantine policies change quite frequently, so check the destination country’s biosecurity authority website or check with our team before packing.

Items that are Prohibited from Sending via Air Cargo

• Cash, gold, jewelry and securities
• Weapons, ammunition, replica weapons and explosives
• Narcotics, non-prescription hard drugs, and precursors
• Flammable liquids, pressurized aerosols and gases
• Loose lithium battery without UN38.3 and MSDS documents
• E-cigarettes and nicotine liquids are banned in many countries including Singapore
• Fake branded goods
• Live animals, live plants, seeds, and soil

Checklist Before Handing Over the Package

• The contents of the package have been checked against the destination country’s prohibited list
• All food in factory sealed packaging and has not expired
• Double-wall cardboard, cavity filled, duct tape covering all joints
• Weight and dimensions have been measured, volume weight has been calculated
• Recipient’s name according to official documents and complete address with postal code
• The local telephone number of the destination country is included, mandatory for Malaysia
• The declaration form is filled out honestly and in detail
• Photos of the package contents are kept as evidence in the event of a claim
• Packages are submitted before the H-1 cut-off at 17.00 WIB

Conclusion

Sending goods abroad to family abroad is actually easy, as long as you pay attention to three things: volume weight which determines postage, flight schedules and cut-offs which determine arrival time, and quarantine rules which determine whether the package safely reaches its destination. Concise packaging and honest declarations are the two habits that save the most money in the long run.

Jastip Ali serves deliveries to Malaysia, Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, Korea, Australia, Brunei, UAE and Saudi Arabia, including package pickup in Jabodetabek. Please check our import service options for two-way needs, then contact WhatsApp +62 821-2213-4474 or email halo@jastipali.com to get a free shipping estimate today.