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Indonesia Country Security Report

Travel Advisory

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise increased caution in Indonesia due to the threat of natural disasters and terrorism . Reconsider travel to Papua due to civil unrest. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.

The Institute for Economics & Peace Global Peace Index 2022 ranks Indonesia 47 out of 163 worldwide, rating the country as being at a high state of peace.

Crime Environment

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Jakarta and Surabaya as being HIGH-threat locations for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Indonesia.

The crime emergency line in Indonesia is 112. Review the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.

Crime: General Threat

Although serious crime incidents have occurred, violent crimes involving U.S. citizens are relatively uncommon. In many cases, travelers can mitigate the crime threat by good personal security and situational awareness practices.

Crime threats and patterns vary across the country, which includes both crowded urban environments and remote, sparsely populated areas. Pickpocketing, petty theft, and residential break-ins are common. 

 

There is a history of drink spiking within Indonesia although the Embassy has not received any such reports within the last 18 months. Such incidents have occurred in clubs and nightspots in urban and tourist areas. Maintain awareness and control over your drinks.

Credit card and internet fraud is an ongoing problem in Indonesia. If using your card while in Indonesia, monitor your debit and credit card accounts regularly and be cognizant of the potential for online fraud. Criminals have in the past skimmed credit/debit cards to access and drain bank accounts. Use ATMs only in secure locations and check the machine for evidence of tampering.

The Global Organized Crime Index is a tool designed to measure levels of organized crime in a given country and assess its resilience to organized criminal activity. The most recent index ranks Indonesia 25 out of 193 worldwide for criminality, with 1 being the worst possible ranking; and 118 out of 193 worldwide for resilience, with 1 being the best possible ranking.

Crime: Areas of Concern

The Government of Indonesia recently divided up the provinces of Papua and West Papua into six provinces.  Central Papua and the Papua Highlands Province are the only provinces to which the U.S. Government restricts the travel of its personnel. These two areas have seen a marked increase in insecurity, to include the recent kidnapping of a New Zealand pilot by an armed group claiming to be part of a separatist movement.  This group also made public statements about kidnapping additional westerners, to include Americans.  As a result, the Department adjusted its travel warning for American citizens to level four (Do Not travel) to these two provinces. 

No areas of Jakarta or other major metropolitan areas are officially off-limits to U.S. government personnel, but there are areas in which the chances of becoming a victim of a crime are greater. The Ancol Port area and other areas, such as Glodok in North Jakarta have a higher crime rate than other areas of the city.

Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, and Taking Credit.

Kidnapping Threat

Aside from the aforementioned kidnapping incident and public statements in two Papuan provinces, kidnappings involving the expatriate community are rare. When such incidents occur, they are typically financially motivated, and the perpetrators are usually familiar with the victim and victim's family. Exercise the same common-sense precautions as in any large cosmopolitan area, such as maintaining a low profile and remaining aware of surroundings at all times. 

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Indonesia.

Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.

Drug Crime

The trafficking or possession of illegal drugs is an extremely serious offense in Indonesia, and this includes medical marijuana and edible products which are legal in many parts of the U.S.

 

Indonesian Customs, Indonesian National Police (INP), and National Narcotics Agency (BNN) stationed at the air and seaports of major cities (i.e., Jakarta, Surabaya, Bali, and Medan) continue to struggle with maritime interdiction and border control issues inherent in policing more than 17,000 islands, but continue to arrest drug couriers/smugglers operating on behalf of transnational criminal organizations. Indonesia has become a significant consumer of crystal methamphetamine, ecstasy, and cannabis. According to Indonesian authorities and recent intelligence, Indonesia has become a primary destination for drug trafficking organizations operating from the Middle East and the Golden Triangle region of Southeast Asia. In 2021, international partnerships and information sharing contributed to multiple bilateral operations resulting in the seizure of more than four tons of crystal methamphetamine and 100,000 ecstasy pills. During the pandemic, statistics indicate a dramatic rise in crystal methamphetamine seizures. In addition, the largest seizure of cocaine in Indonesian history (approx. 179 kg) occurred in 2022, which may indicate a new route for South American cartels to exploit for the distribution of cocaine to Australia and New Zealand. 

INP and BNN drug investigators maintain aggressive rhetoric against drug criminals, and continue to target them very intensively. Authorities may impose the death sentence in cases involving drug trafficking; multiple convicted traffickers have been executed in recent years, including foreign nationals. The demand for illegal drugs in Indonesia remains high. INP and BNN continue to coordinate with other foreign and domestic law enforcement agencies to attempt to stem the steady flow of illegal drugs.

Consult with the CIA World Factbook’s section on Illicit Drugs for country-specific information.

Terrorism Environment

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Jakarta and Surabaya as being HIGH-threat locations for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

The U.S. Department of State has included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Indonesia, indicating that terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups, or other targets may exist. Review the latest State Department Country Report on Terrorism for Indonesia.

The Institute for Economics & Peace Global Terrorism Index 2022 ranks Indonesia 24 out of 163 worldwide, rating the country as having a medium impact from terrorism.

Terrorism: General Threat

Members of a coalition of Islamist groups founded the transnational terrorist organization Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) in 1993 with roots in the radical, anti-colonialist Darul Islam movement of the 1940s. Indonesian JI members trained at al-Qa’ida bases in Afghanistan and Pakistan in the 1980s and 1990s, and went on to carry out a series of significant terrorist attacks in Indonesia, including the 2002 Bali bombing. In 2008, Abu Bakar Bashir, one of the founding members of JI, formed splinter group Jamaah Ansharut Tauhid (JAT). The terrorist group Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) formed in 2015 from a coalition of extremist groups that pledged allegiance to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

Many of the original wave of operatives have now died or are in prison, but other pro-ISIS terrorist groups and sympathetic individuals inspired or recruited by online contact with extremists spark lone-actor attacks, especially against Indonesian police and security forces, Indonesian government facilities, and/or Western interests.

Indonesian law enforcement and security officials aggressively pursue terrorist cells and have successfully disrupted multiple aspirational plots. Indonesia cooperates on a wide range of counterterrorism efforts with local and international partners, including the United States. The central government established the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) in 2010, a major step toward enhancing law enforcement efforts and countering violent extremism

Despite government efforts and successes, violent extremist networks and terrorist cells remain intact, and have the capacity to become operational and conduct attacks with little or no warning, as do lone actor ISIL sympathizers. INP has limited resources in terms of its ability to monitor extremists, including returned foreign fighters and former convicted extremists released from prison.

Political Violence and Civil Unrest Environment

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Jakarta and Surabaya as being MEDIUM-threat locations for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

The U.S. Department of State has included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Indonesia, indicating that demonstrations, protests, and/or strikes occur frequently, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond adequately. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.

Elections/Political Stability

Localized political violence and civil unrest due to ethnic, sectarian, religious, and separatist reasons is a possibility in the vast Indonesian archipelago.

Protest & Demonstration Activity

Demonstrations are common throughout Indonesia. They are usually peaceful, and the police presence is generally sufficient to maintain order. However, some demonstrations have become violent, particularly when involving issues related to religion, labor, or land rights. Protests usually coincide with the anniversaries of significant events in recent Indonesian history, like annual Labor Day demonstrations held by labor groups.  

As mentioned, separatist reasons also pose a reason for protest. Papua has small but growing separatist groups, which include a small number of armed guerrilla groups. In August 2019, deadly riots occurred in the provinces of Papua and West Papua due to violence incidents involving Papuan students earlier in the week. This sparked a series of riots across Indonesia. In October 2020, thousands of Indonesians participated in a non-government-sanctioned protest against recently passed legislation. In 2022, authorities responded to protests against the planned division of Papua and West Papua into six new provinces with 1,000 police officers and water cannons. There have been numerous reports of both sides committing abuses against civilians including killings, physical abuse, and destruction of property. The conflict has caused the displacement of thousands of residents.

In 2022, greater Jakarta experienced 4,753 demonstrations, according to Jakarta Metropolitan Police statistics, a significant increase from 1,261 in 2021.    

Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.

Law Enforcement Concerns: Security Agencies

Indonesia is a multiparty democracy led by a president and a bicameral legislature. The INP is responsible for internal security and reports directly to the president. The Indonesian National Armed Forces, which also report to the president, are responsible for external defense and combatting separatism, and in certain conditions may provide operational support to police, such as for counterterrorism operations, maintaining public order, and addressing communal conflicts. Civilian authorities maintain control over security forces. There are credible reports that members of the security forces commit abuses.

Police Response

INP has limited abilities to respond quickly and efficiently to reports of crime and other emergencies due to insufficient transportation, inadequate training, and limited investigative ability. Communication with police and emergency response authorities may be difficult due to varying levels of English language ability, especially outside major cities. Skills are improving due to programs offered by the U.S. International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP), Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program (ATA), the Bangkok-based International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA), as well as other foreign partners.

Law Enforcement Concerns: Emergency Contact/Information

The emergency line in Indonesia is 112 and 110 for police. There are also local, direct emergency numbers in each district. Those staying for an extended period should identify the cell and landline numbers for the nearest police station and program them into their phone. Operators are likely to have limited English-language abilities and at times calls may go unanswered. It is often more effective to request help in person from Indonesian authorities rather than wait for emergency services to respond. Indonesian emergency services, when available, are often rudimentary at best.

Transportation Security

Road Safety

Road conditions vary from good to dangerously poor. In urban areas, visitors will often find traffic conditions extremely difficult due to massive congestion, undisciplined drivers, and the presence of numerous motorcycles and mopeds. Additionally, traffic flows on the left side of the road. The number of vehicles, estimated to increase by 10% per year, far exceeds the capacity of roadway infrastructure. Road safety awareness is very low, and many drivers, especially those on motorcycles/mopeds, disregard most traffic laws. Accidents on rented motorcycles constitute most expatriate deaths in Indonesia, especially in Bali.

Toll roads are modern, multi-lane, and well maintained, but are usually over-crowded. Most roads outside of the major cities are single-lane and overly congested with a variety of vehicles (from 18-wheel trucks to mopeds). It is common for vehicles to pass on either side of the road or on the shoulder, while driving at a high rate of speed and swerving to avoid colliding with other motorized or non-motorized conveyances. Avoid driving at night outside of major cities.

Because of the unique and dangerous driving conditions, most U.S. Embassy and Consulate employees, expatriates, and affluent Indonesians hire personal drivers. Rental car companies offer drivers, and in most cases will not rent a vehicle without their driver. It is imperative that those traveling in Indonesia, especially in rural/remote areas, do due diligence in confirming that travel agencies, tour companies, and rental drivers are legitimate. Serious vehicle accidents have occurred, injuring U.S. passengers who had contracted with unverified tour companies. The risk of accidents is higher in some of the most beautiful parts of Indonesia because of their remoteness and the unlikelihood of obtaining medical care quickly.

If an accident involving personal injury occurs, Indonesian law requires both drivers to wait for the arrival of the police. Although Indonesian law requires third-party insurance, most drivers are uninsured. Even if they are insured, it is common for insurance companies to refuse to pay damages. Authorities will likely hold the driver of the larger vehicle liable in an accident.

For detailed, country-specific road and vehicle safety information, read the World Health Organization’s Global Status Report on Road Safety.

Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.

Public Transportation Safety

While mass transit platforms such as Jakarta’s subway (MRT), commuter rail lines, and intercity trains are safe and well maintained, pickpockets and non-confrontational theft can be a problem, particularly on crowded local minibuses (angkot or mikrolet). Use reputable, registered taxi companies that vet their drivers. Scams by taxicab drivers have been reported; ensure drivers use their meters, and make note of cab numbers and driver information.

Aviation Concerns

Indonesia has a history of mass aviation accidents, including plane crashes and non-fatal runway overruns. Since 2016, Indonesia has maintained a Category 1 rating from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, following compliance by the country’s civil aviation authority with International Civil Aviation Office (ICAO) standards.

Review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights; and consider the European Union Air Safety List.

Maritime Security

There continue to be serious accidents involving inter-island ferries across Indonesia, often resulting in deaths and injuries. Overcrowding is common, regulation lax, safety equipment often missing, and adherence to safety standards often minimal.

Piracy related incidents have decreased in Indonesian waters, according to the International Maritime Bureau. This drop is attributed to coordinated patrols with the Malaysian and Philippine militaries in the Sulu and Sulawesi Seas, and increased information sharing between partner countries. Most of these incidents are now reported to be opportunistic (e.g., against isolated fishermen or anchored ships), as opposed to larger-scale attacks against oil tanker ships.

The Indonesian Navy has periodically detained commercial vessels that are transiting or anchored in Indonesian territorial waters without the appropriate permissions.  In such cases, the Navy has detained ships for a significant period of time and assessed the owner a heavy fine.   

Consult with the Stable Seas Maritime Security Index for detailed information and ratings regarding rule of law, law enforcement, piracy, and other maritime security indicators.

Personal Identity & Human Rights Concerns

Significant human rights issues include reports of unlawful or arbitrary killings by government security forces; torture by police; harsh and life-threatening prison conditions; arbitrary arrest or detention; political prisoners; serious problems with the independence of the judiciary; arbitrary and unlawful interference with privacy; serious restrictions on free expression and media, including unjustified arrests or prosecutions of journalists and religious figures, censorship, and the existence of criminal libel laws; serious restrictions on internet freedom; substantial interference with the freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of association; serious government corruption; lack of investigation of and accountability for gender-based violence; crimes involving violence or threats of violence targeting members of racial and ethnic minority groups; crimes involving violence or threats of violence against LGBTI+ persons; and the existence of laws criminalizing consensual same-sex sexual conduct between adults.

Members of the security forces have been accused of committing human rights abuses against Indonesian citizens, including unlawful killings, torture, arbitrary arrests, and restricting freedom of assembly and speech. While the government has taken steps to investigate and prosecute some officials who have committed human rights abuses, impunity for historic and continuing serious human rights abuses remains a significant concern, especially in the province of Papua. Indonesian law provides criminal penalties for official corruption, but government efforts to enforce the law are insufficient. Despite the arrest and conviction of many high-profile and high-ranking officials, there is a widespread perception that corruption remains endemic. The Corruption Eradication Commission, national police, the armed forces’ Special Economics Crime Unit, and the Attorney General’s Office may all investigate and prosecute corruption cases. Coordination between these offices, however, is inconsistent. 

While the government has taken steps to investigate and prosecute some officials who committed human rights abuses, impunity for historic and continuing serious human rights abuses remains a significant concern, especially as some of those implicated in past abuses receive promotions and occupy senior official positions.

Indonesian law does not recognize dual nationality for adults over 18 years of age. U.S. citizens who are also Indonesian nationals may experience immigration difficulties in Indonesia.

Safety Concerns for Women Travelers

Sexual harassment and sexual assault remain problematic nationwide. The law prohibits rape, domestic abuse, and other forms of violence against women. The legal definition of rape however, covers only forced penetration of sexual organs, and filing a case is extremely difficult as it requires a witness or other corroboration. Rape is punishable by four to 14 years in prison and a substantial fine. While the government imprisons some perpetrators of rape and attempted rape, sentences are often light, and many convicted rapists receive the minimum sentence.

The law prohibiting indecent public acts serves as the basis for criminal complaints stemming from sexual harassment. Violations are punishable by imprisonment of up to two years and eight months and a small fine. Civil society and NGOs report sexual harassment is a problem nationwide.

Discrimination remains an issue for women under Indonesian law. The law provides the same legal status and rights for women and men in family, labor, property, and nationality law, but it does not grant widows equal inheritance rights. The law states that women’s work outside their home must not conflict with their role in improving family welfare and educating the younger generation. The law designates the man as the head of the household. Divorce is available to both men and women. Many divorced women receive no alimony, since there is no system to enforce such payments. The law requires a divorced woman to wait 40 days before remarrying; a man may remarry immediately. Many local policies and “morality laws” are discriminatory. For example, more than 70 local regulations in various locations throughout the country require women to dress conservatively or wear a headscarf. Women also face discrimination in the workplace both in hiring and receiving fair compensation.

The Solo Female Travel Safety Index combines the experiences of solo female travelers with other reliable indices to award a single rating indicating the relative security female travelers might experience in a given country. The qualitative portion of the index examines risk of scam, theft, and harassment, as well as the country’s perceived attitude towards women. As of the date of this report’s publication, Indonesia has a score of 1.9 on a scale of 1.0 (safest) to 4.0 (least safe). All solo female travelers are able to share their solo travel experiences by signing up with the Solo Female Travelers portal; the organization draws qualitative data from women traveling solo, depending on active participation and honest information.

Consider composite scores given to Indonesia by the UN Development Program (UNDP) in its Gender Development Index, measuring the difference between average achievement in three basic dimensions of human development, and Gender Inequality Index, measuring inequality in achievement in reproductive health, empowerment, and the labor market. For more information on gender statistics in Indonesia, see the World Bank's Gender Data Portal.

Review the State Department’s webpage for female travelers.

Safety Concerns for LGBTI+ Travelers

LGBTI+ status or conduct is not formally illegal, but local authorities sometimes take legal action against, or tolerate harassment of people engaging in LGBTI+ relationships or having an LGBTI+ identity. People are arrested under anti-pornography laws for activities such as throwing an LGBTI+ party or producing media which depicts same-sex sexual activity. Anti-discrimination law does not protect LGBTI+ individuals, and discrimination and violence against LGBTI+ persons continue.

Some local governments have passed laws criminalizing LGBTI+ relationships, such as in Aceh province, which operates under strict Sharia law; there, consensual same-sex sexual conduct is punishable by a maximum of 100 lashes, a considerable fine, or a 100-month prison term. According to Aceh’s sharia agency chief, at least four witnesses must observe individuals engaging in consensual same-sex sexual conduct for them to be charged.

Foreign same-sex marriages or civil unions are not legally valid.

The Equaldex Equality Index measures the status of LGBTI+ rights, laws, and freedoms, as well as public attitudes towards LGBTI+ people around the world. As of this report’s publication date, Indonesia has a score of 33/100, ranking 138 out of 198 countries on the index.

Consider information from Destination Pride, a data-driven search platform associated with PFLAG Canada that visualize the world's LGBTQ+ laws, rights, and social sentiment; as well as from ILGA World, a worldwide federation that produces an annual map showing sexual orientation laws from around the world, available in multiple languages.

Review OSAC’s report, Supporting LGBT+ Employee Security Abroad, and the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI travelers.

Safety Concerns for Travelers with Disabilities

Indonesian law prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities and mandates accessibility to public facilities. However, persons with disabilities face difficulties in Indonesia as some most public places and transportation facilities may not accommodate disabled people especially in areas with less public awareness.

Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.

Safety Concerns for Travelers Based on Race, Religion, & Ethnicity

Sharia law is enforced in Aceh and may exist unofficially or through local legislation in other areas. The law should not apply to non-Muslims or foreign visitors. Be respectful of local traditions, dress conservatively, and seek guidance from local police if confronted by Sharia authorities.

Individuals suspected of using black magic are often targets of violence. In 2021, prisoners in Merauke, Papua, killed two ethnic Marind prisoners accused of using magic to curse other prisoners. Also in 2021, three men killed a farmer in the Kangean Islands for his suspected use of magic to kill a woman.

Review the latest U.S Department of State Report on International Religious Freedom for country-specific information.

Review OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the State Department’s webpage on security for faith-based travelers.

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment

U.S. Embassy Jakarta will occasionally experience protests directly targeting the Embassy related to a variety of issues. Popular issues that will bring protesters to the embassy include the Middle East, Israeli military action against Palestine, and allegations of human rights abuses perpetrated by Indonesian forces in Papuan provinces. With rare exception, most of the anti-U.S. demonstrations attracted fewer than 100 participants in 2022.

Most Indonesians view U.S. nationals and other expatriates in positive terms, though there are isolated pockets of anti-western sentiment.

Concerns involving the Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption &/or Transparency

Indonesian law prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention. Individuals may challenge the legality of one’s arrest or detention in court, but there have been exceptions. Some exceptions apply when the Indonesian law enforcement or Criminal Investigation Department are executing their duties. 

The Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Indonesia 96 out of 180 worldwide, where 1 means most transparent.

Communication Issues

The Indonesian constitution broadly provides for freedom of expression, with some limitations. These limitations may be sometimes regional or national due to the communication being considered blasphemy, hate speech, disinformation, indecent, or promoting separatism. The constitution protects journalists from interference, and the law punishes anyone who prevents journalists from carrying out their job.

Online media is also active in Indonesia. The broad constitutional provisions of freedom of expression applies to the internet as well. Keeping in mind the general broad freedom of expression provision, Indonesian law criminalizes speech deemed insulting to a religion or advocating separatism. The law also criminalizes hate speech, indecency, and disinformation.

The Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index ranks Indonesia 117 out of 180 worldwide, where 1 means most freedom. The Freedom House Freedom on the Net report rates Indonesia’s internet freedom as partly free, and its Freedom in the World report rates Indonesia’s freedom of speech as partly free.

Review OSAC’s report, Lèse Majesté: Watching what you say (and type) abroad.

Health Concerns

The medical emergency line in Indonesia is 118. Sanitation and health care conditions in Indonesia are below U.S. standards. Routine medical care is available in all major cities, though quality of care is variable. Psychological and psychiatric services are limited throughout Indonesia. Even in large cities, the quality of English-speaking medical personnel will vary and there are often communication difficulties. In remote areas, there may be no English-speaking medical personnel. Ambulance services are mostly unavailable – and unreliable at best; do not count on ambulances to transport injured persons to hospitals quickly. Use taxis or private vehicles to transport auto accident victims to hospitals.

Physicians and hospitals often expect payment or sizable deposits before providing medical care, even in emergency and/or life-threatening situations. U.S. government employees and private travelers typically travel to Singapore for treatment of serious medical conditions. All travelers should have travel and medical evacuation (medevac) insurance. Air ambulance evacuations can exceed $100,000.

Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Department’s webpage on health insurance overseas.

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Indonesia. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.

See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the State Department’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.

Vaccinations

Receive COVID-19 and routine vaccines prior to travel to Indonesia. Malaria, dengue, Japanese encephalitis, and Zika virus are mosquito-borne diseases in Indonesia. Prevent mosquito bites. Malaria preventive medication is a necessity in some areas. Rabies is prevalent in animals; avoid animal contact.

Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.

Issues Traveling with Medications

Always carry prescription medication in their original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. Be aware that Indonesian authorities may consider some prescription drugs as illegal narcotics. The government does not publish a list of which pharmaceuticals it considers contraband, and these decisions may be arbitrary.

Do not mail or ship by courier any medications to Indonesia. Indonesian authorities pay close attention to packages containing pharmaceuticals and may detain or arrest recipients of prescription and over-the-counter medications alike. Even if a medication is legal or has been prescribed in the United States, it may be considered an illegal narcotic in Indonesia. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates cannot assist you with the importation and/or release of medications. 

The Indonesian government does not recognize medical marijuana, or any such derivative, for legitimate medical use in Indonesia. The possession or use of marijuana or its derivatives is a crime in Indonesia and can result in lengthy prison terms. Authorities have arrested and kept incarcerated U.S. individuals after receiving mail containing marijuana.

Local pharmacies carry a range of products of variable quality, availability, and cost. Counterfeit pharmaceuticals are a significant risk; patronize only reputable pharmacies.

Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.

Water Quality

Tap water is not potable in Indonesia. Diarrheal diseases are very common throughout Indonesia; take appropriate food and water precautions.

Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?

Environmental Hazards

Indonesia is geographically located on the "ring of fire;" there are minor, and sometimes major, volcanic eruptions in the archipelago every week. Indonesia has more active volcanoes (127) than any other country in the world. Indonesia has deployed an effective volcano-monitoring system, which has enabled the government to inform the population about potential eruptions and to direct evacuations that reduce casualties. Significant volcanic activity occurs on Java, Sumatra, Halmahera, Sulawesi, and Sangihe Islands, on the Sunda Islands, and in the Banda Sea.

There are approximately 4,000 earthquakes per year in Indonesia, or more than 10 per day on average. While most earthquakes are mild, some cause significant destruction and can trigger tsunamis. Tsunami warning systems may not be operable or reports of tremors and tsunamis may be delayed. Local construction standards are lower than in the United States, and many structures including hotels and malls are prone to damage or collapse in an earthquake. Access to disaster-affected areas is often difficult and assistance from the U.S. Embassy may be limited.

Many areas of Indonesia are vulnerable to earthquakes, tsunamis, and flooding. Every year, flooding and mudslides displace or injure significant numbers of Indonesians, especially in rural and remote regions. In general, the rainy season lasts from December to March, though this varies. Western and northern parts of Indonesia experience the most precipitation, since the north- and westward-moving monsoon clouds are heavy with moisture by the time they reach these more distant regions. However, flooding can occur even though there is no rain in the immediate area, with water coming from mountainous areas in the south. In addition to flooding, fires, particularly in Sumatra and Kalimantan, are also an environmental threat to human life, property, and health, with increased risk during dry seasons.

Air quality in Indonesia’s major cities can range from "unhealthy for sensitive groups" to "unhealthy." Find current air quality data for Jakarta on the U.S. Embassy’s Air Quality webpage.

Cybersecurity Concerns

Indonesia's vulnerability to cyberattacks is due to the lack of a national cyber policy; inadequate capacity to prepare for, identify, and counter such attacks; and low awareness among the general population about best practices as internet use in the country increases. Crimes committed via the internet are common, to include the deliberate spread of false information. In 2018, the Indonesian President elevated the rank of the Head of National Cyber and Cryptography Agency (BSSN) to Minister-level. U.S. citizens have been victims of internet scams originating in or having a nexus to Indonesia, mostly involving social media phishing and fraudulent stories about distressed Americans in Indonesia needing money. Other scams have involved invitations to social media influencers or filmmakers to travel to Indonesia on scouting trips media projects, during which scammers significantly overcharged for hotels, transportation, and other costs.

Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage.

Counterintelligence Issues

There are no country-specific counterintelligence issues affecting U.S. private-sector operators in Indonesia.

Other Security Concerns

Landmines

This country has no known issues with landmines.

Import/Export Restrictions

In general, Indonesia’s import/export laws continue to develop, and approval must be acquired from the applicable licensing ministries. 

A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.

Photography

There are no country-specific prohibitions on photography in Indonesia.

Review OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography.

ID Requirements

Individuals must have a valid passport. Non-Indonesians must also have a valid visa, stay permit, or re-entry permit. 

Critical Infrastructure Concerns

There are no country-specific critical infrastructure issues affecting U.S. private-sector operators in Indonesia.

OSAC Country Chapters

There are active OSAC chapters in Jakarta and Surabaya-Bali. Contact OSAC’s Asia team with any questions.

Embassy Contact Information

  • U.S. Embassy: Medan Merdeka Selatan 2-5, Jakarta 10110, Tel: +62(21) 3435-9000.
  • U.S. Consulate General: Citra Raya Niaga No. 2, Surabaya 60217, Tel: +62(31) 297-530.

Trustworthy News Sources

Many trustworthy news sources are available for review on the Dewan Pers website, including:

Other Helpful Info

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