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Safety and Security

Since 2005, Indonesian police and security forces have disrupted a number of terrorist cells, including Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), a U.S. government-designated terrorist organization that carried out several bombings from 2000 to 2009. In 2002, Indonesia suffered its worst terrorist attack, when more than 200 foreign tourists and Indonesian citizens were killed in Bali’s nightclub district. In 2003 and 2005, deadly car bombs exploded outside hotels and resorts frequented by tourists in Jakarta and Bali, and outside of the Australian Embassy in Jakarta in 2004. In 2009, JI-affiliated elements bombed two Western hotels in Jakarta, killing nine Indonesians and foreigners and injuring over 50, including six U.S. citizens. Police have arrested more than 900 individuals on terrorism-related charges since 2002 and have greatly reduced the capacity of domestic terrorist organizations, though extremists in Indonesia continue to aspire to carry out violent attacks against Indonesian and Western targets.

Extremists may target both official and private establishments, including hotels, bars, nightclubs, shopping areas, and restaurants. Whether at work, pursuing daily activities, or traveling, you should be aware of your personal safety and security at all times Monitor local news reports, vary your routes and times, and maintain a low profile. Be sure to consider the security and safety preparedness of locations that you frequent.

In recent years, terrorists have targeted Indonesian police stations and officers. In May 2014, pipe bombs were found at a police post in Surakarta. In November 2012, there were various armed attacks on police stations and officers in Central Java, including a bomb found at a police post in Surakarta. In October 2012, two police officers were assassinated in Poso, Sulawesi. Currently, U.S. Embassy personnel travel to Poso is restricted to mission-essential travel that is approved in advance by the Embassy security office.

Be aware that a real or even perceived offense may generate a negative response from local people. On one occasion, two U.S. citizens in western Sumatra were beaten after they reportedly accused a local man of theft. In the same month, another U.S. citizen in Sumatra was threatened by members of a local mosque when he complained about being awakened from his sleep by the morning call to prayer.

Demonstrations are common throughout Indonesia. Typical areas for protest activity in Jakarta include both the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle and the U.S. Embassy. While these demonstrations are usually peaceful and police presence is normally sufficient to maintain order, demonstrations have occasionally become large and violent.

Localized political violence and civil unrest for ethnic, sectarian, religious and separatist reasons are common in parts of the country. Religious and ethnic violence have occurred in Central Sulawesi. Papua is home to a continuing separatist movement, which includes a small number of armed Organisasi Papua Merdeka (OPM) guerillas who have attacked Indonesian government targets and personnel in the Puncak Jaya area of the Papuan highlands. Security forces continue to pursue separatist guerillas there. In the area between Timika and the copper and gold mine of Grasberg in Papua, there have also been over 30 shooting incidents between 2009 and 2014 carried out by unknown gunmen who were targeting security personnel employees, and contractors of a U.S. multi-national mining company.

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CRIME: Crime can be a problem in some major metropolitan areas in Indonesia. Crimes of opportunity such as pick-pocketing and theft occur throughout the country. Organized crime remains a problem in Indonesia, most notably drug dealing and trafficking in persons. Armed car-jacking, theft of vehicles, residential break-ins, and"snatch-and-grab" robberies occur in Indonesia.

Unmarked or freelance taxis continue to be a source of crime. If you are in Jakarta or Surabaya, hire a taxi either at a major hotel or shopping center queue, or call a reputable taxi company to arrange for transportation. There have been reports of taxis painted to look like reputable companies being used to rob travelers. These crimes often involve express kidnappings, where the armed criminals take passengers to a remote area to rob the victim. Criminals may also drive victims to ATM machines and force them to withdraw cash. If you are in Jakarta or Surabaya, hire a taxi either at a major hotel or shopping center queue.. Avoid using public transportation such as buses and trains, as pickpocketing commonly occurs in the crowded mass transit system and in restaurants or bars.

Indonesian police have also noted an increase in burglaries and armed robberies in Jakarta that target wealthier individuals. Take personal responsibility for your own security: know the layout of your dwelling, if possible have someone at home at all times, discuss security procedures with your family and household staff, and know your neighborhood.

Credit card fraud and theft is a serious and growing problem in Indonesia. Travelers should use cash if possible and minimize the use of credit cards. Safeguard credit and ATM card numbers at all times. Avoid using credit cards for online transactions at Internet cafes and similar public venues. Monitor your credit card activity and immediately report any unauthorized use to your financial institution. Criminals have skimmed and cloned ATM cards and then drained bank accounts. If you choose to use an ATM, check the machine for evidence of tampering and use ATMs located in secure locations, such as banks. Exercise a heightened level of caution when using unfamiliar ATM machines in Indonesia and monitor your statements closely.

"Drink-spiking” and drink poisoning incidents are increasing. There have been several reports of foreign tourists and Indonesians suffering from methanol poisoning from adulterated liquor or cocktails, including arak/arrack, a local liquor, most recently in Bali and Lombok. This has led to serious illness and, in some cases, death. If you or someone you are traveling with exhibit signs of methanol poisoning, seek immediate medical attention.

There have been many reports of males being targeted for drink-spiking in clubs and nightspots. One drug used in these incidents is believed to be an extremely powerful animal tranquilizer. Besides putting the victim in an unconscious state for a long time, these drugs can cause memory loss, nausea, headaches, and vomiting. Although most of these incidents involve male victims, it is important to remember that females have been victimized in the past with date rape drugs. Local, "home brew" alcoholic drinks may also be spiked.

Maritime piracy in Indonesian waters continues, although incidents have decreased steadily in recent years. The most recent reports of piracy include thefts of valuables or cargo from boats that are in port and out at sea. Before traveling by sea, especially in the Straits of Malacca between Riau Province and Singapore, and in the waters north of Sulawesi and Kalimantan, travelers are encouraged to review the current security situation with local authorities.

Counterfeit goods are easily available in Indonesia. Travelers are reminded that the transport and sale of such goods could be deemed illegal and penalties may apply if they are brought into the United States.

You are encouraged to carry a copy of your U.S. passport with you at all times so that if questioned by local officials, proof of identity and proof of U.S. citizenship are readily available. If you are arrested or detained, make sure a formal notification of the arrest is provided in writing to the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, a process that can take several weeks. If detained, telephone the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, or the nearest U.S. consular office immediately.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

  • Replace a stolen passport.
  • Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
  • Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, contact family members or friends.
  • Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

The local equivalent to the "911" emergency telephone line in Indonesia is 112. In addition, 110 can be dialed for police, 113 for fire, and 118 for ambulance. While these numbers exist, they are not always answered. It is often more effective to physically go to Indonesian authorities to ask for their help rather than to wait for emergency services to respond to your phone call. There are sets of local direct emergency numbers in each district and you should learn and keep these emergency numbers at hand. Indonesian emergency services, police, fire and ambulances, if available at all, are often rudimentary at best.

Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

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Population: 273,523,615


Total Land Area: 1,811,570 km2


Population/km2: 150.99