How Safe is Indonesia?
1. Areas with Travel Warning in Indonesia
Indonesia is home to many active volcanoes, and some regions are under strict travel warnings due to volcanic activity. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued specific travel warnings for Indonesia advising against travel to these high-risk areas:
Mount Sinabung, North Sumatra: Avoid all travel within 5 km of the crater, as this is an exclusion zone.
Mount Marapi, West Sumatra: The area within 3 km of the crater is off-limits due to volcanic risk.
Mount Semeru, East Java: Do not travel within 5 km of the crater or to the southeast region along the Besuk Kobokan River, up to 13 km from the crater.
Mount Ruang, Northern Sulawesi: The exclusion zone extends 7 km from the crater. Mount Ruang erupted on 16 April 2024.
Mount Ibu, North Maluku: The exclusion zone is 7 km from the crater. Mount Ibu erupted on 6 June 2024.
2. Places to Avoid Due to Incidents and Crime Rate in Indonesia
Block M, South Jakarta: This area is known for nightclubs, and therefore drink spiking is very common here. Tourists should always be aware of their drinks.
Ciliwung, Jakarta: Ciliwung is Jakarta’s largest slum, and lots of illegal activities are practised here. This place should be avoided at all times of the day.
Ancol Port Area, North Jakarta: This place has recorded the highest crime rate in Jakarta. Illegal activities like prostitution and gambling are rampant in this area.
Arak bars: You may come across a traditional Balinese drink known as Arak. There have been several reports of Arak being mixed with methanol, causing severe illness or sometimes even permanent blindness. We recommend you avoid these bars to ensure your safety in Indonesia.
Central Sulawesi Province: This region, especially Palu, Tentena and Poso, have high chances of religious and political unrest. Try avoiding these areas.
3. Health and Safety Precautions in Indonesia
Vaccinations: Since the Covid-19 pandemic, additional vaccines are required for travelers. Depending on your origin and travel history, you may need to be vaccinated against yellow fever, especially if you’ve recently visited Africa or South America. Other recommended vaccines include tetanus, hepatitis B, and typhoid. If you plan to visit jungle areas, malaria prevention medication is advised.
Mosquito Protection: To avoid mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever, it is strongly recommended to carry anti-mosquito spray and travel mosquito nets. Some regions of Indonesia, especially rural areas, pose a malaria risk. If you plan to travel through Indonesia, especially in remote areas, consult a healthcare provider for antimalarial medication.
4. Safety and Security Advice in Indonesia
Terrorism and Civil Unrest
Indonesia has experienced occasional terrorist attacks targeting tourist hotspots, particularly in Bali and Jakarta. The government has strengthened security measures, but travelers should remain vigilant. As part of a travel warning for Indonesia, avoid large gatherings, be cautious in crowded places, and follow local news for updates.
Natural Disasters
Indonesia's location in the Pacific "Ring of Fire" means it is prone to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis. Before traveling, it is advisable to monitor the activity of volcanoes, particularly Mount Agung in Bali and Mount Merapi in Java. In case of natural disasters, follow local authority instructions and evacuation procedures. Understanding the travel warning for Indonesia related to natural hazards can help ensure your safety.
Petty Crime and Scams
Tourist-targeted crimes such as pickpocketing and scams are common in tourist areas. Mugging rates in Indonesia are not as high as pickpocketing but try to avoid deserted areas to ensure your safety in Indonesia. Take precautions by keeping your belongings close, avoiding unauthorized taxis, and using reputable tour operators. When booking accommodation, check that doors and windows, including bathroom windows, are secure. If hotel staff seem offended by this, it may be a sign to find alternative lodging. Tourist scams are a severe issue in Indonesia. Tourists are easy targets for the scammers. Here is a list of scams you should look out for:
- Drink Spiking: Be careful in a bar, and never accept drinks from strangers. People tend to mix drugs and other illegal items with alcohol and then forcefully engage in unlawful activities.
- Unlicensed Tour Guide: Guides exploit tourists by charging higher fees. Make sure you hire a guide from a well-known certified company.
- Money-changing Exploitation: Money changers exploit tourists by charging higher than the exchange rate. Be cautious while exchanging money. Also, avoid the money changers located in dark and dingy alleys.
- Forced ATM Withdrawal by Unknown Locals: Sometimes you might encounter strange people who might threaten you to withdraw money. Make sure you have self-defense mechanisms if traveling solo.
- Taxi-scams: There have been numerous taxi-scams, where the drivers reportedly force tourists to collect money from ATMs and give it to them. Tourists have also complained of situations where the drivers allegedly drive off before they can even get their luggage out.
Travel Insurance
It’s wise to take out travel insurance, especially to cover petty theft and activities like diving, which can sometimes lead to mishaps. Insurance is relatively inexpensive and can prevent significant inconveniences.
Alcohol Poisoning
Alcohol poisoning is another activity to beware of. Heavy import tax has led many locals to increase their supply by adding chemicals, so it's best to drink only at reputable bars and hotels. You will be taken aback by the open drug usage in party centrals such as Kuta and Legian in Bali, but it still is illegal and a safer option to stay away from parties where you know drugs will be present.
5. Local Laws and Customs in Indonesia
- Drug Laws: Indonesia has some of the strictest drug laws in the world, with severe penalties, including the death penalty, for possession or trafficking of illegal substances. Even small amounts of recreational drugs are illegal, so it is important to stay away from any involvement with drugs during your stay.
- Gambling and Pornography: Both gambling and pornography are illegal, and penalties can be harsh for those caught breaking these laws.
- Corruption: Some police officers have been known to accuse tourists falsely and demand "tips" for resolving situations. If you encounter serious issues, contact your country’s consulate or embassy for assistance.
6. Food and Health Safety
When it comes to food safety, one of the most common issues travelers encounter in Indonesia is the infamous "Bali belly" (traveler's diarrhea). To minimize the risk of falling ill, it’s important to pay close attention to what you eat and where it comes from.
Tip: Only eat cooked or boiled vegetables, and ensure that your meat is from a clean, hygienic source. Indonesia’s tropical climate and humidity can lead to avian influenza outbreaks, commonly known as bird flu, particularly during the monsoon season when disease risks are higher. Being cautious about where you dine and ensuring your food is properly prepared can go a long way in maintaining your health while traveling through Indonesia.
7. Safety of Women and LGBTQ+
- Avoid places filled with bars and nightclubs in dingy alleys- Remember never to leave your drink unattended because it might lead to spiking, a prevalent practice in Indonesian Bars.
- Choose a hotel in the right area, which is full of tourists.
- Never accept offers from unregistered tour guides if you are alone.
Additional Tips While Planning an Indonesian Trip
- Before booking tickets, follow local Indonesian media to ensure a safe trip during your preferred period. Before you travel, stay updated on volcanic activity in these regions and avoid entering exclusion zones.
- Make sure you’ve got a travel and health insurance covered, just in case you encounter an unforeseen event.
- Learn about measures to undertake if you encounter any unlikely situation like a terrorist attack or a natural disaster.
- Record significant emergency helpline numbers listed above and your respective embassy address in a diary.
- Carry a small first aid kit with only essentials such as essential medicines for stomach infections and injuries.
- Smoking is prohibited in public places across Indonesia, including healthcare facilities, educational institutions, places of worship, and public transport. Be mindful of smoke-free zones, especially in children's indoor or outdoor facilities, to avoid fines and ensure compliance with local regulations.
Emergency numbers
Police/General Emergencies: 110 or 112
Ambulance and Medical Emergencies: 118 or 119
Fire fighter: 113Search and Rescue: 115
Natural Disaster Assistance: 129
International Call Operators: 101 and 107
Bureau of Public Communication of the Ministry of Tourism: +62 21 3838899
Note: Even though these are the national emergency numbers, quite often, calls are left unanswered. Hence, it is advisable that you physically go to the authorities and ask them to respond to your emergency situation right away. In case of further negligence by the local police, you could go to your respective embassies to seek help.
Indonesia is a beautiful country full of natural wonders. You can make memories of a lifetime here. But one lousy incident might leave you shattered for the rest of your life. To avoid such a situation, make sure you follow the tips and guidelines listed above to have a safe and worthwhile trip in Indonesia.