notaris
A public official authorized to create authentic deeds for certain legal acts.
What it means
A notaris (notary) is a public official authorized to create authentic deeds and certify certain documents. In Indonesia, notaries carry out their duties under the law on the notary profession. They do not take sides with either party but ensure documents comply with the rules. A notary differs from a PPAT, who specifically handles land deeds.
Why it matters for families
A notary helps families create documents that are legally valid and hard to dispute, such as agreements on the division of assets or wills. Choosing a careful notary reduces the risk of defective documents later on. Notary fees should be asked about upfront so they do not surprise the family budget.
Example
For example, a family wants to make a loan agreement between siblings. They go to a notary to create a deed so the terms of the agreement are clear. If a dispute arises later, the deed becomes strong evidence.
Common misunderstanding
Some people think a notary can decide who is entitled to an inheritance. In fact, a notary creates documents according to the parties' wishes and the rules, not to settle disputes.