Indonesia

Emergency response and services may be limited. Travellers may need to go directly to a police station or hospital for service. Carry local emergency contact information.

There is a high level of crime in Indonesia. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, or other theft occur frequently. Keep valuables out of sight to avoid becoming a target for theft. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. Avoid walking alone at night. Do not accept drinks or food from strangers and never leave your drinks out of your sight.

Travellers should exercise caution when choosing accommodations, places of worship, shopping areas, restaurants, clubs and other tourist facilities, and be aware of the facilities’ security level.

Indonesia has strict drug laws and severe penalties for drug offences.

Women travellers, in particular, should be aware that the Aceh Province, located at the northern end of Sumatra, implements Islamic law (Sharia law). Female travellers should inform themselves as to the specifics of the law. For example, in Aceh, women are banned from entertainment venues, such as internet cafes, tourist sites, sports facilities after 23:00 unless accompanied by a husband or male family member. The province's morality police could detain a woman for being in an entertainment venue after 23:00. Also, unmarried men and women are banned from riding together on a motorbike in one of the districts of Aceh Province. Women are only allowed to ride motorbikes sidesaddle.

The incidence of road accidents is high in Indonesia. Road travel may be dangerous due to poor road conditions, traffic congestion and reckless driving. Exercise extreme caution in rural areas where roads may be unpaved and unlit at night. Avoid travelling after dark. Driving is on the left.

Public transportation and ferry safety standards are poor. Exercise caution.

Exercise extreme caution when participating in outdoor adventure activities as safety standards may not be adequate. Ensure travel and medical insurance is acquired before leaving and make sure your insurance policy covers outdoor adventure activities, including emergency medical evacuation. Also exercise caution when swimming as currents may be strong and unpredictable.

You must always carry your passport and your stay permit with you.

Travellers should take note of whether they will be travelling during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. During this time, respect the religious practices of the country and avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. Always dress and behave conservatively to respect local customs.

LGBTI travellers should note that same-sex behaviours are not socially tolerated, and in some provinces, same-sex behaviours are illegal and severely punishable.

Indonesia has 129 active volcanoes. Heed the advice of local authorities if travelling to an area with an active volcano, and, in the event of an eruption, follow the local evacuation orders.

Indonesia's location in an active seismic zone makes the country prone to earthquakes and tsunamis.

Air pollution also presents health and safety risk to the traveller, especially between June-October.

The rainy season in Indonesia is between November-March, although heavy rains can occur at any time of the year. This can result in landslides and flooding with little warning, especially in remote areas where extensive deforestation is common. These incidents have led to numerous fatalities and extensive destruction of property. Travellers should monitor regional weather forecasts and follow warnings issued by local authorities.

Avoid travel to the province of Papua due to the risk of violence in response to political tensions. At the time of writing, a permit must be obtained before travelling to Papua province, although this could change at any time. Consult the local authorities.

Extreme caution should be maintained at all times in the province of Aceh. Sharia law is enforced in parts of Aceh by religious police. Travellers should ensure their behaviour does not offend local sensitivities.

Sporadic ethnic and religious tensions in areas of Indonesia have resulted in violence and civil unrest. Travellers should avoid the areas of Maluku and Sulawesi Tengah (Central Sulawesi), due to religious tensions between Christian and Muslim groups resulting in violent incidents and conflict.

There is a risk of terrorism in Indonesia. Indonesian authorities continue to put counterterrorism measures in place. Always be aware of your surroundings, monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities in the event of terrorism.

Large and occasionally violent protests have occurred in the past. Travellers should avoid all such demonstrations and gatherings, monitor local news, and follow the advice of local authorities.

There is long-standing tension and violence between ethnic groups, particularly in the Central Sulawesi, Maluku and West Papua provinces.