Indonesia

Indonesia is an independent republic consisting of more than 17,500 islands spread over 3,400 miles along the Equator. The main islands are Java, Sumatra, Bali, Kalimantan (Borneo), Sulawesi (Celebes), Papua, Halmahera, and Seram. The capital city of Jakarta is located on the north coast of western Java, the most populated island. The country has approximately 251million people representing more than 300 ethnic groups.

Indonesia's geographic location on the "Ring of Fire," an arc of volcanoes and fault lines encircling the Pacific Basin. As well as its topography make the country prone to natural disasters, especially seismic upheaval. Indonesia is a developing country with a growing economy and many infrastructural shortcomings, especially in rural areas. Read the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Indonesia for additional information on U.S.- Indonesiarelations.

Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in Indonesia, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. Traffic in Indonesia is dangerous, congested, and undisciplined. Traffic signals are frequently ignored and often in disrepair. The number and variety of vehicles on the road far exceed the capacity of existing roadways. Road conditions vary from good (in the case of toll roads and major city roads) to dangerously poor. Generally, road safety awareness is very low in Indonesia. Buses and trucks are often dangerously overloaded and travel at high speeds. Most roads outside major urban areas have a single lane of traffic in each direction, making passing dangerous. Most Indonesian drivers do not maintain a safe-following distance and tend to pass or maneuver with considerably less margin for error than do drivers in the United States. Although traffic in Indonesia moves on the left side of the road, drivers tend to pass on both sides and may use the shoulder for this purpose. It is common for drivers to create extra lanes regardless of the lane markings. Nails are frequently sprinkled on roads to cause punctures and create business for tire-repair services.

Throughout Indonesia, motorcycles often claim the right of way, weaving recklessly in and out of traffic with complete disregard for traffic regulations and simple safety precautions. Laws requiring all motorcycle passengers to wear helmets are inconsistently enforced, and passengers often do not wear helmets. Accidents on rented motorcycles constitute the largest cause of non-natural death and serious injury among foreigners living in and traveling to Indonesia. The use of motorcycles and bicycles in traffic are both discouraged. Throughout the country, motor vehicles share the roads with other forms of transportation such as pedicabs, horse and ox carts, pushcarts, and livestock.

Indonesia requires the use of seat belts in front seats; most Indonesian automobiles do not have seat belts in the rear passenger seats. The use of infant and child car seats is uncommon, and it can be very difficult to rent a car seat. If you need to drive, defensive driving and use of seatbelts are encouraged. Given the poor quality of emergency services, an injury considered to be minor in the United States might result in greater bodily harm in Indonesia.

Accidents between a car and a motorcycle are invariably viewed as the fault of the driver of the car. Groups of motorcycle riders will sometimes threaten the driver of a car who is involved in an accident regardless of who is at fault. Expatriates and affluent Indonesians often use professional drivers. All car rental firms provide drivers for a nominal additional fee. Travelers unfamiliar with Indonesian driving conditions are strongly encouraged to consider hiring drivers from reputable companies and through good recommendations.

Driving at night can be extremely dangerous outside of major urban areas. Drivers often refuse to use their lights until it is completely dark, and most rural roads are unlit. Sometimes residents in rural areas use road surfaces as public gathering areas, congregating on them after dark.

When an accident results in personal injury, Indonesian law requires both drivers to await the arrival of a police officer to report the accident. Although Indonesian law requires third party insurance, most Indonesian drivers are uninsured, and even when a vehicle is insured, it is common for insurance companies to refuse to pay damages. Nevertheless, foreigners who plan to drive while in Indonesia should ensure they have appropriate insurance coverage and a valid international driver's license. Ambulance service in Indonesia is unreliable, and taxis or private cars are often used to transport the injured to a medical facility. In cases of serious injury to a pedestrian, the driver of the vehicle could be required to help transport the injured person to the hospital. When an accident occurs outside a major city, it may be advisable, before stopping, to drive to the nearest police station to seek assistance.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit Indonesia's national tourist office online for road safety information.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Indonesian Directorate General of Civil Aviation as not being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Indonesian air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA's safety assessment page.

Indonesian air carriers continue to experience air incidents and accidents. U.S. citizens traveling to and from Indonesia are encouraged to fly directly to their destinations on international carriers from countries whose civil aviation authorities meet international aviation safety standards for the oversight of their air carrier operations under the FAA's International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program. 

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.

To stay connected:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta on Twitter and visiting the Embassy’s website.
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and checking for useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

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.