Back to Career tips Safety

Medical check-ups, background checks and recruitment documents: what is reasonable

Towards the final stage of selection, companies usually ask you to undergo a medical check-up (MCU), submit documents or consent to a background check. Most of these requests are reasonable. However, this stage is also often exploited by scammers posing as companies, and there are limits set by regulations.

Resmi.ID Team · 4 min read · Updated 29 Oct 2026

Article illustration: Medical check-ups, background checks and recruitment documents: what is reasonable

Understanding what is normal and what is suspicious helps you protect yourself without holding up the selection process.

Medical check-ups: what is generally reasonable

Pre-employment health checks are common to make sure you are healthy and suited to the type of work, especially physical jobs, factories, mining, transport or healthcare. They may include a physical examination, blood and urine tests, a chest X-ray, an eye test or a drug test.

The MCU takes place at a designated clinic or hospital, with a schedule and an official referral letter from the company.
The cost is usually covered by the company or explained openly from the start.
MCU results contain health data, which under Law No. 27 of 2022 on Personal Data Protection (UU PDP) counts as specific personal data requiring stricter protection.
You have the right to ask why a particular test is being done and who will see the results.

There are also specific limits. Ministerial Decree No. KEP.68/MEN/IV/2004 prohibits employers from conducting HIV tests as a prerequisite for recruitment, and requires test information to be kept confidential.

If your MCU shows a problem

Poor MCU results don't always mean automatic rejection. Many conditions, such as slightly high cholesterol or short-sightedness, have no bearing on most jobs. If the company says you don't yet meet the health requirements, you may politely ask which aspect is considered relevant to the job, and whether a re-test is possible.

Keep a copy of your results if you are given one, and consult a doctor about any findings that need follow-up. Your health matters more than any single selection process.

Background and reference checks

Companies may verify your employment history and education, or contact the referees you listed. For certain roles, such as finance, security or positions handling assets, you may be asked for a police clearance certificate (SKCK). This is normal.

A reasonable check is usually disclosed to you and asks for your consent.
Let your referees know in advance so they are ready to be contacted.
Criminal records and personal financial data are also specific personal data under the UU PDP, so requests for them should be relevant to the job.

Documents commonly requested

Photocopies or scans of your ID card (KTP), family card, diploma and transcript.
Tax ID (NPWP) and a bank account in your name for payroll, usually after you are hired.
An employment reference letter (paklaring) from your previous employer.
Passport photos, skills certificates and an SKCK if the role requires it.

Note the words “photocopy” or “scan”. To verify, a company may ask to see an original document briefly, but should not keep it. Ministry of Manpower Circular No. M/5/HK.04.00/V/2025 prohibits employers from requiring or withholding workers' diplomas and/or personal documents as a guarantee for employment, with limited exceptions set out in the circular.

When sending scans of your KTP or other documents online, add a watermark such as “For application to PT X, October 2026” to make misuse harder.

Warning signs to watch for

Being asked to pay MCU, training, uniform or “administration” fees into a personal account, or being directed to a particular clinic that wants payment up front.
Being asked to hand over your original diploma, vehicle ownership book (BPKB) or passport as a guarantee.
Being asked for OTP codes, PINs, passwords, or a selfie holding your KTP without a clear reason.
MCU or test invitations from free email addresses or personal numbers, using a company name slightly different from the real one.
Being asked for data irrelevant to the job, such as a full-body photo for an admin role, or detailed questions about your beliefs or pregnancy plans.

In 2025 the Ministry of Manpower (Kemnaker) also issued Circular No. M/6/HK.04/V/2025 prohibiting discrimination in recruitment. Kemnaker stressed that recruitment must be based on competence and suitability for the job, and that vacancy information must be accurate, honest and transparent.

Safe steps you can take

1Verify the senderCheck the email domain and call the company's official number from its website.
2Ask for detailsRequest written information on the schedule, location and who pays.
3Hand over copies onlyBring originals just to show them, then take them home again.
4Keep evidenceSave invitations, messages and proof of document submission.
5Report anything oddUse the Report button on the KarirResmi vacancy if a request seems suspicious.

On KarirResmi, applicants are never charged. Vacancies with the Verified badge come from companies whose business ID (NIB) matches licensing records, and vacancies showing scam patterns are detected and held. Stay alert: if anyone asks for money in the name of a KarirResmi vacancy, it is not an official procedure.

References

This information is general. For important decisions, check the latest rules at official sources or consult the relevant authorities.

Ready to apply?Find jobs from verified companies that match your skills. Find jobs