E-Meterai is one of the most important innovations in the digital era, allowing electronic documents to have the same legal validity as physical documents. An e-Meterai is the electronic version of a physical stamp (meterai), meaning both serve the same function.
In Indonesia, the official issuer of e-Meterai is Peruri, and they can be easily purchased from several platforms, such as Privy and VIDA.
If you're using e-Meterai for the first time, let's explore its advantages, disadvantages, and best usage tips!
An e-Meterai is the digital version of a physical meterai (stamp duty) used to provide legal validity to electronic documents. This process is legally recognized in Indonesia through the Electronic Information and Transactions Law (Law No. 11 of 2008). E-Meterai offers advantages such as ease of use, cost efficiency, and enhanced security compared to physical or conventional meterai.
Privy e-Meterai and other e-Meterai providers are among the most well-known services in Indonesia. However, many other platforms also offer easy access to e-Meterai.
Here are some advantages of e-Meterai:
VIDA and Privy are Electronic Certification Providers (PSrE) registered with Kominfo (Ministry of Communication and Information Technology of Indonesia), ensuring that the e-Meterai they offer are legally valid.
E-Meterai platforms such as VIDA and Privy e-Meterai typically also provide digital signature services. This combination simplifies document management without hassle. For example, on VIDA Sign, users can purchase e-Meterai, apply them to documents, and add digital signatures before sending them.
With VIDA Sign e-Meterai or Privy e-Meterai, users no longer need to print documents, purchase physical meterai, or manually affix them. The entire process is conducted digitally, from placing the e-Meterai to signing the document. This process takes only a few minutes, making it an ideal solution for business transactions and administrative processes.
Although e-Meterai offers many benefits, there are a few drawbacks to consider before using them. Here are some key disadvantages:
E-Meterai can only be used on electronic devices such as laptops or smartphones connected to the internet. This can be a challenge for users in remote areas with limited internet access or those without adequate devices.
E-Meterai is a relatively new technology, and not everyone is fully familiar with how to use it. Many users may not know how to apply e-Meterai or integrate it into electronic documents. Lack of awareness and education regarding the benefits, usage, and legal status of e-Meterai can hinder adoption.
Although e-Meterai is legally recognized in Indonesia, some institutions still do not accept e-Meterai. The primary reason is that they are still accustomed to traditional physical meterai and are not yet fully educated on e-Meterai. This limits the flexibility of e-Meterai usage.
Adopting digital technology, such as e-Meterai, requires a cultural shift in document management. For example, while some users are accustomed to printing and manually handling documents, digital platforms now allow for completely paperless transactions. However, not all individuals or organizations are ready to transition from manual to digital processes. Some users may still prefer physical meterai due to familiarity with traditional methods.
If you are looking for a comprehensive e-Meterai solution, VIDA Sign is a trusted alternative. As a PSrE supervised by Kominfo, VIDA offers legally valid e-Meterai services with additional security features.
Here are the advantages of VIDA Sign e-Meterai:
Purchasing and applying an e-Meterai via VIDA Sign can be done in just a few simple steps without switching between multiple applications.
E-Meterai is most effective when used with digital signatures, rather than handwritten signatures. Why? Because an e-Meterai does not have document security features that prevent forgery. That function is provided by digital signatures. Therefore, it is recommended to pair an e-Meterai with a digital signature.
Applying e-Meterai and digital signatures can be done anytime and anywhere. As long as you have internet access and a device (smartphone or laptop), it is very easy to validate documents with an e-Meterai.
Although e-Meterai has some drawbacks, these challenges can be overcome with better education, improved technological infrastructure, and choosing a trusted service provider. Education helps users understand the benefits of e-Meterai, while better infrastructure ensures broader access. However, the most crucial step is selecting a platform that guarantees security, efficiency, and legal compliance.
One of the best solutions is VIDA Sign, which integrates e-Meterai with digital signatures to provide maximum document protection. With Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), VIDA Sign ensures documents are secure from forgery and tampering. Additionally, the platform is designed to simplify administrative processes with a fast, user-friendly, and efficient system.