Indonesia Travel Safety

Road safety

Many remote parts of Indonesia have poor transportation networks. It may be difficult or impossible to leave these areas in a crisis. Road conditions, particularly outside major centres, are poor. Road travel in Indonesia can be very challenging, as drivers are not disciplined and do not consistently obey traffic rules. Streets are generally congested. Driving at night in rural areas is dangerous, as most rural roads are unlit and some drivers do not use lights. If you plan to rent a car, consider hiring a driver.

Identification

Carry adequate identification, such as a passport and your stay permit, at all times. You may be detained and fined if you don't have the original on you. Keep copies, in case it is lost or confiscated.

Public transportation

Transport by bus and rail can be crowded and safety standards are poor.

Women's safety

Tourists and Indonesians have suffered from serious illness and have even died from drink-spiking and drink poisoning incidents, particularly in clubs and nightspots in urban and tourist areas. Women should be vigilant all the time and aware of the surroundings. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Females should be cautious while dealing with strangers and acquaintances. Women may be subject to unpleasant male attention, reporting verbal sexual harassment may not be taken seriously. Avoid flash of money or valuables in public. Exercise a high degree of caution during travel.

Fraud

There is a very high rate of credit and debit card fraud in Indonesia, including online fraud. Keep your card information (number, name, expiry date) private. Keep all receipts and bills bearing a credit or debit card number secure or destroy them completely. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards: pay careful attention when your card is handled by others, use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business, avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature, cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN, check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements.

Crime

Keep car doors locked and windows rolled up at all times. Use reputable taxis from major hotels or book in advance by phone. Merchants do not always honour pricing agreements. Use good judgment in engaging services of tourist guides, especially in places that tourists rarely visit.

Kidnapping

Foreigners have been kidnapped and killed in the past, particularly in the province of Aceh. Avoid travelling alone and travelling at night throughout Indonesia.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in Indonesia. While effective counterterrorism measures by Indonesian authorities are in place, terrorist cells are active and have the capacity to carry out attacks anywhere in the country. Be particularly vigilant during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.

LGBT

In some provinces, sexual acts between individuals of the same sex are prohibited and punishable. Individuals can be arrested under laws related to what is considered immoral behaviour, prostitution or social ills. Extra-marital sex & homosexual activity is illegal under Sharia Law.

Illegal or restricted activities

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are very severe and include the death penalty for serious drug offences. Suspects can be detained for prolonged periods, without the possibility of release on bail, while police conduct investigations prior to prosecution. Random drug testing of tourists throughout the country has resulted in several arrests. Extra-marital sex, gambling, and the consumption, production and distribution of alcohol are all illegal under Sharia law.

Wild animals

It's illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected wild animal or trade its parts without a license. If you're caught purchasing or trafficking illegal goods you'll be prosecuted and could receive a prison sentence and fine.

Gambling

Gambling is illegal in Indonesia.

Driving

Traffic drives on the left. In the event of an accident, drivers must stop and exchange information and assistance. Motorcycle drivers and passengers are required to wear helmets.