Introduction to Reference Letters in Indonesia
A reference letter, or surat referensi in Indonesian, is a crucial document used to vouch for an individual’s character, skills, or qualifications. In Indonesia, these letters are commonly required for employment, academic applications, and business partnerships. A well-crafted reference letter can significantly enhance the credibility of the individual it represents.
Personal reference letters are particularly important in Indonesia, where personal connections and trust play a significant role in professional and business relationships. This article provides 16 sample reference letters that demonstrate the proper format and content for personal references in Indonesia.
1. Sample Personal Reference Letter for Employment
PT. Maju Terus
Jl. Sudirman No. 123
Jakarta 10220
15 Oktober 2023
Yth. HR Manager
PT. Karya Indonesia
Jl. Gatot Subroto No. 45
Jakarta 10000
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing this letter to wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Budi Hartono, who has been a close associate of mine for the past five years. I have had the pleasure of working with Budi in various professional capacities, and I can confidently attest to his exceptional skills and strong moral character.
Mr. Hartono is a highly dedicated individual with a strong work ethic and an unparalleled ability to deliver results. His integrity and professionalism make him an invaluable asset to any organization.
Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me at (021) 1234 5678.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs. Rina Widyastuti
Director of Operations
2. Sample Personal Reference Letter for Academic Purposes
Universitas Indonesia
Fakultas Ekonomi
Depok 16424
10 November 2023
Yth. Admission Committee
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA 02138
USA
Dear Members of the Admission Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend Ms. Ayu Lestari for admission to your prestigious university. I have known Ayu for three years in my capacity as her academic advisor at Universitas Indonesia.
Ms. Lestari is an exceptional student with a keen intellect and a passion for learning. Her academic achievements are a testament to her dedication and hard work.
Please feel free to contact me at (021) 7889 0123 if you require any additional information.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Andi Setiawan
Senior Lecturer
3. Sample Personal Reference Letter for Business Partnership
CV. Citra Mandiri
Jl. Raya Pajajaran No. 77
Bandung 40124
20 Desember 2023
Yth. Bapak H. Rusli
Pimpinan CV. Maju Jaya
Jl. Ciumbuleuit No. 33
Bandung 40115
Dear Mr. Rusli,
I am writing to personally recommend Mr. Dedi Mulyadi as a trusted business partner. I have had the pleasure of collaborating with Dedi on several projects over the past seven years.
Mr. Mulyadi is a man of his word, with a reputation for integrity and professionalism. His ability to deliver on time and within budget has been instrumental in the success of our joint ventures.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at (022) 1234 5678 for any further inquiries.
Yours sincerely,
Mr. Tono Sulistianto
Owner of CV. Citra Mandiri
4. Sample Personal Reference Letter for Visa Application
PT. Nusa Indah
Jl. Imam Bonjol No. 78
Denpasar 80239
25 Januari 2024
Yth. Consul General
Embassy of Australia
Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said No. 7
Jakarta 10220
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to personally vouch for Ms. Lila Sari, who has submitted a visa application to visit Australia. I have known Lila for the past six years as both a colleague and a close friend.
Ms. Sari is a responsible and trustworthy individual with a stable financial background. She has always demonstrated a high level of integrity in her personal and professional dealings.
Please contact me at (0361) 1234 567 if you require any further information.
Yours sincerely,
Mr. Wayan Wirawan
General Manager
5. Sample Personal Reference Letter for Scholarship Application
SMA Negeri 1 Yogyakarta
Jl. Sudirman No. 45
Yogyakarta 55223
5 Februari 2024
Yth. Scholarship Committee
University of Melbourne
Melbourne, VIC 3010
Australia
Dear Members of the Committee,
I am delighted to recommend Ms. Ninda Putri, a graduating student of SMA Negeri 1 Yogyakarta, for the prestigious Melbourne University Scholarship. I have had the pleasure of teaching and mentoring Ninda for the past three years.
Ms. Putri is an outstanding student with exceptional academic abilities and a strong commitment to community service. Her dedication to learning and personal growth makes her an ideal candidate for your scholarship program.
Please feel free to contact me at (0274) 1234 567 for any further information.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs. Sri Wahyuni
Head of Senior High School
6. Sample Personal Reference Letter for Rental Application
PT. Griya Sejahtera
Jl. Cikini No. 12
Jakarta 10320
10 Maret 2024
Yth. Bapak H. Sutanto
Pemilik Properti
Jl. Bintaro Raya No. 67
Jakarta 12345
Dear Mr. Sutanto,
I am writing to personally recommend Mr. Andi Wijaya as a tenant for your property at Jl. Bintaro Raya No. 67. I have known Andi for the past five years as a colleague and friend.
Mr. Wijaya is a responsible and reliable individual who has always maintained a good reputation in his personal and professional life. I am confident that he will take good care of your property.
Please contact me at (021) 1234 5678 if you require any further information.
Yours sincerely,
Mr. Budi Santoso
HR Manager
7. Sample Personal Reference Letter for Membership Application
Kamar Dagang dan Industri
Jl. H.O.S. Cokroaminoto No. 64
Jakarta 10350
15 April 2024
Yth. Ketua Umum
Kadin Indonesia
Jl. H.O.S. Cokroaminoto No. 64
Jakarta 10350
Dear Sir,
I am writing to personally recommend Mr. Rudi Hartono for membership in Kadin Indonesia. I have known Rudi for the past eight years through our professional interactions in the business community.
Mr. Hartono is a respected businessman with a strong commitment to ethical practices and community development. His contributions to the Indonesian business sector have been significant and commendable.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at (021) 1234 5678 for any further inquiries.
Yours sincerely,
Mr. Tono Wibowo
Chairman of KADIN Jakarta
8. Sample Personal Reference Letter for Loan Application
PT. Dana Membangun Negeri
Jl. Sudirman No. 90
Jakarta 10250
20 Mei 2024
Yth. Credit Manager
Bank Central Asia
Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 1
Jakarta 10310
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to personally vouch for Mr. Adi Wijaya, who has applied for a business loan with your esteemed bank. I have known Adi for the past seven years as a trusted business partner.
Mr. Wijaya is a financially responsible individual with a proven track record of successful business ventures. His commitment to meeting financial obligations is exemplary.
Please contact me at (021) 1234 5678 if you require any additional information.
Yours sincerely,
Mr. Sutopo Purwo
CEO of PT. Dana Membangun Negeri
9. Sample Personal Reference Letter for Job Promotion
PT. Maju Jaya
Jl. Raya Pajajaran No. 33
Bandung 40124
1 Juni 2024
Yth. Bapak Direktur Utama
PT. Maju Jaya
Jl. Raya Pajajaran No. 33
Bandung 40124
Dear Sir,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Dedi Kurniawan for the position of Senior Manager in our Marketing Department. I have worked closely with Dedi for the past six years and have witnessed his exceptional growth and dedication.
Mr. Kurniawan is an outstanding professional with a proven ability to lead teams and deliver results. His innovative ideas and strong leadership skills make him an ideal candidate for this promotion.
Please feel free to contact me at (022) 1234 5678 for any further discussion.
Yours sincerely,
Mr. Tono Sutanto
HR Director
10. Sample Personal Reference Letter for Character Reference
Kejaksaan Negeri Jakarta Pusat
Jl. Kebon Sirih No. 7
Jakarta 10300
10 Juli 2024
Yth. Kepala Kejaksaan Negeri
Kejaksaan Negeri Jakarta Pusat
Jl. Kebon Sirih No. 7
Jakarta 10300
Dear Sir,
I am writing to personally vouch for the good character of Mr. Andi Setiawan. I have known Andi for the past ten years as a neighbor and close friend.
Mr. Setiawan is a man of impeccable character with a strong sense of morality and responsibility. He has always been a law-abiding citizen and an active member of our community.
Please contact me at (021) 1234 5678 if you require any further information.
Yours sincerely,
Mr. Bambang Wijaya
Community Leader
11. Sample Personal Reference Letter for School Admission
SD Negeri 1 Surabaya
Jl. Tunjungan No. 45
Surabaya 60275
15 Agustus 2024
Yth. Kepala Sekolah
SD Negeri 1 Surabaya
Jl. Tunjungan No. 45
Surabaya 60275
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to recommend Ms. Lita Widyastuti for admission to SD Negeri 1 Surabaya. I have known Lita as a dedicated and hardworking individual who is eager to learn and grow.
Ms. Widyastuti is an exceptional student with a strong academic record and a positive attitude. She has consistently demonstrated a high level of discipline and respect for her teachers and peers.
Please feel free to contact me at (031) 1234 5678 for any further information.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs. Rina Widyastuti
Teacher
12. Sample Personal Reference Letter for Volunteer Work
Yayasan Peduli Anak
Jl. Bumi No. 123
Bogor 16123
20 September 2024
Yth. Kepala Yayasan
Yayasan Peduli Anak
Jl. Bumi No. 123
Bogor 16123
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to personally recommend Ms. Nia Sari for a volunteer position at your esteemed foundation. I have known Nia for the past five years through her active involvement in community service.
Ms. Sari is a compassionate and dedicated individual with a strong commitment to helping others. Her experience in volunteer work makes her an excellent candidate for your organization.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at (0251) 1234 5678 for any further inquiries.
Yours sincerely,
Mr. Andi Wijaya
Community Leader
13. Sample Personal Reference Letter for Business Loan Guarantee
PT. Karya Mandiri
Jl. Raya Bogor No. 78
Bogor 16123
25 Oktober 2024
Yth. Manager of Credit
Bank Danamon Indonesia
Jl. Raya Bogor No. 45
Bogor 16123
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to personally guarantee the business loan application of Mr. Tono Wijaya, who has applied for a loan to expand his business operations. I have known Tono for the past eight years as a trusted business partner.
Mr. Wijaya is a financially responsible individual with a proven track record of successful business ventures. I am confident that he will meet all his financial obligations in a timely manner.
Please contact me at (0251) 1234 5678 if you require any further information.
Yours sincerely,
Mr. Budi Santoso
CEO of PT. Karya Mandiri
14. Sample Personal Reference Letter for Apartment Lease
PT. Griya Sejahtera
Jl. Cikini No. 12
Jakarta 10320
1 November 2024
Yth. Bapak H. Sutanto
Pemilik Apartemen
Jl. Bintaro Raya No. 67
Jakarta 12345
Dear Mr. Sutanto,
I am writing to personally recommend Mr. Andi Wijaya as a tenant for your apartment at Jl. Bintaro Raya No. 67. I have known Andi for the past five years as a colleague and friend.
Mr. Wijaya is a responsible and reliable individual who has always maintained a good reputation in his personal and professional life. I am confident that he will take good care of your property.
Please contact me at (021) 1234 5678 if you require any further information.
Yours sincerely,
Mr. Budi Santoso
HR Manager
15. Sample Personal Reference Letter for University Transfer
Universitas Gadjah Mada
Fakultas Teknik
Yogyakarta 55281
10 Desember 2024
Yth. Dean of Engineering
University of California
Los Angeles, CA 90095
USA
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Adi Wijaya for transfer admission to your prestigious university. I have known Adi for the past four years as one of my most talented students.
Mr. Wijaya is an exceptional student with a strong academic record and a keen interest in research and innovation. His contributions to our academic community have been significant and commendable.
Please feel free to contact me at (0274) 1234 567 if you require any further information.
Yours sincerely,
Prof. Dr. Tono Wibowo
Dean of Faculty of Engineering
16. Sample Personal Reference Letter for Medical School
Fakultas Kedokteran
Universitas Indonesia
Jl. Salemba No. 6
Jakarta 10430
15 Januari 2025
Yth. Admission Committee
Harvard Medical School
Boston, MA 02115
USA
Dear Members of the Admission Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend Ms. Ninda Putri for admission to your esteemed medical school. I have known Ninda for the past five years as one of my most promising students.
Ms. Putri is an outstanding individual with a strong passion for medicine and a deep commitment to serving humanity. Her academic achievements and clinical skills are truly exceptional.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at (021) 1234 5678 for any further information.
Yours sincerely,
Prof. Dr. Sri Wahyuni
Dean of Medical Faculty
Conclusion
These 16 sample reference letters demonstrate the proper format and content for personal references in Indonesia. Each letter is tailored to a specific purpose, ensuring that the individual being recommended is presented in the best possible light. By following these examples, you can create professional and effective reference letters that meet the expectations of Indonesian authorities, educational institutions, and business organizations.
Remember to always include specific details about the individual’s qualifications, achievements, and personal qualities, and to maintain a formal and respectful tone throughout the letter. This will help ensure that your reference letter is taken seriously and has the desired impact.