Local Laws

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While you are traveling in Indonesia, you are subject to its laws. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own. Persons violating Indonesian laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. The Indonesian legal process is very slow, and cases can take months to be resolved. Suspects can be held without charges for up to 80 days, and in some cases longer, during pre-trial investigation.

In Indonesia, you may be detained for questioning if you don't have your passport with you. It is also illegal to take pictures of certain buildings, and driving under the influence of alcohol could land you immediately in jail. If you break local laws, your U.S. passport won't help you avoid arrest or prosecution. Certain areas of Indonesia are under Sharia law; see the section under Special Circumstances. Some things that might be legal in Indonesia are still illegal in the United States; for example, you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. 

In March 2008, the Indonesian parliament passed a bill criminalizing the access of internet sites containing violent or pornographic material. Anyone found guilty of this offense could be jailed for up to three years or could have to pay a heavy fine.

The Indonesian child protection law imposes up to 15 years in prison for those convicted of engaging in sexual contact with a child, and the anti-trafficking in persons law imposes 15 years in prison for anyone engaging in sex with a victim of trafficking. Engaging in sexual conduct with children, as well as using, and/or disseminating child pornography is a crime prosecutable in the United States regardless of the country where the activity occurs.

Penalties for possession or use of, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Indonesia are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. A life sentence or the death penalty can be imposed in cases of drug trafficking. Several foreigners have been sentenced to death in recent years. In 2011 a U.S. citizen was given a death sentence for drug trafficking.

Indonesian prisons are harsh and do not meet Western standards. Many prisoners need to supplement their prison diets and clothing with funds from relatives. Medical and dental care in Indonesian prisons, while available, are below Western standards, and access to medical testing to diagnose illness as well as medications to treat conditions is often difficult to obtain.

There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States. You can be prosecuted in the United States for engaging in sexual conduct with children or for using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country regardless of the legality of these activities under that country’s laws. Counterfeit and pirated goods are illegal in the United States and if you purchase them in a foreign country, you may be breaking local law as well.

Arrest notifications in host country: While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested, that might not always be the case in Indonesia. To ensure that the United States government is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the U.S. Embassy or nearest consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained in Indonesia. An Embassy consular officer will visit you at the earliest possible opportunity. To reach the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, dial (62) (021)-3435-9000 ext. 0 for the operator and ask for the duty officer.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: The Regional Security Office of the U.S. Embassy restricts travel by U.S. government personnel to certain areas of Indonesia. These areas are subject to change. Currently, U.S. government travelers must receive prior authorization to travel to Papua and Central Sulawesi. Separate pre-travel procedures apply to U.S. Armed Forces personnel who intend to travel to Indonesia for any reason. For further information, please see the DOD Foreign Clearance Guide.

Sharia Law: Sharia law is enforced in Aceh, northern Sumatra, by a separate police force. Recent additions to procedural law in Aceh suggest that non-Muslim visitors violating Sharia law may also be tried in the Sharia system. Sharia law also exists unofficially or through local legislation in other areas. In these areas, implementation is uneven, processes are opaque, and enforcement can be arbitrary. Though instances of non-Muslims visitors being punished according to Sharia are rare, travelers are advised to be respectful of local tradition, dress modestly, and seek guidance from local police if confronted by Sharia authorities.

Many women, both Muslim and non-Muslim, carry a scarf to drape around their head while traveling in Aceh, although it is not compulsory to wear one. The Sharia concept of “khalwat” forbids an unmarried man and unmarried woman (who are not close relatives) to be alone together in closed rooms or secluded areas.

Natural Disasters: Due to its location on the "Ring of Fire" parts of Indonesia frequently suffer from earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis. In addition, seasonal flooding from monsoons occurs regularly.

Earthquakes and Tsunamis: Minor, and sometimes major, earthquakes occur every week throughout the archipelago. The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami killed an estimated 167,000 people in Indonesia. There are approximately 4,000 earthquakes per year, with approximately 70-100 of them over 5.5 on the Richter scale. Most recently, a July 2013 earthquake in Aceh measured at 6.1 on the Richter scale, and resulted in 35 casualties, 275 injuries, and the damage of more than 4,000 buildings. Sometimes these earthquakes can trigger tsunamis, as one did in the Mentawai islands in October 2010, killing more than 450 local residents and displacing up to tens of thousands of persons for several weeks. Because of the large geographic territory of the country and the poor infrastructure, affected areas can be isolated following disasters, resulting in delays in the arrival of emergency relief supplies.

In places where tsunamis are a potential threat, you should head inland for high ground immediately when large tremors are felt, since tsunami warning systems may not be operable or reports of tremors and tsunamis may be delayed; be sure to establish an escape route beforehand. The city of Jakarta lacks an earthquake plan, as does much of the country.

Volcanoes: There are 127 active volcanoes in Indonesia. Eruptions can frequently cause travel delays, displace local populations and disrupt economic activities. Mount Sinabung in the Tanah Karo Highlands of North Sumatra has been erupting regularly since September 2013. Its eruption caused the evacuation of approximately 30,000 people. Mount Raung in East Java became active in June 2015 and has forced occasional multi-day closures of Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali (and nearby airports on other islands) . On Java, Mt. Merapi erupted most recently in 2010, resulting in 300,000 internally displaced persons and 386 casualties. Indonesia has deployed a volcano monitoring system, which has enabled the Government of Indonesia to inform the population about potential eruptions and to direct evacuations so as to prevent casualties. However, no system has been able to predict the timing or severity of all eruptions.

Flooding and Landslides: During the rainy season, which runs from December to March, floods and mudslides wreak havoc in many areas of Indonesia, including Jakarta. In November 2012 alone, 40 natural disasters occurred, affecting approximately 33,000 people. Floods accounted for sixty percent of all natural disasters during the month and caused 17 casualties. In January 2013, heavy rains caused substantial flooding occurred in Jakarta. Landslides frequently follow heavy rains, and travelers should exercise caution both in and outside of cities. On the roads, be aware of the possibility of land slippage, road washouts, and potholes.

Fires: Fire departments lack modern equipment and training. Seventy percent of Jakarta's fire hydrants are inoperative, and the city fire department is manned at only fifty percent of its recommended level. Outside of Jakarta, responding to fire-related emergencies can be even more challenging. Occupants in the upper levels of buildings and persons in crowded markets are at great risk, since fire departments typically are unable to reach those areas.

Environmental Quality: Outside of Jakarta and other major cities air quality is acceptable most of the time. However, within Indonesia's major cities, air quality can range from "unhealthy for sensitive groups" to "unhealthy." Some expatriate residents of Jakarta have tested positive for highly elevated levels of carbon monoxide in their blood. The air and water in Jakarta are particularly polluted. Individuals susceptible to chronic respiratory illnesses should consult with their doctor before spending significant amounts of time in Jakarta. Smoke from annual fires in forested and peat lands can create unhealthy air conditions in parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan. Water is not potable. A 2008 study showed that 100 percent of Jakarta's water is contaminated by fecal coliform bacteria (see below). This type of contamination occurs in most cities. You should drink only bottled water. Sewage and drainage systems are insufficient to adequately treat waste water and raw sewage.

Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, and Surfing: Exercise prudence when scuba diving, snorkeling, or surfing, and when visiting remote tourist locations. Strong seasonal undercurrents in coastal waters can pose a fatal threat to surfers and swimmers; every year, several U.S. citizens drown. Surfers and divers should also be aware that local fishermen in coastal waters may use explosives and poisons to catch fish, even though this practice is illegal in Indonesia. Rescue services are mostly ad hoc and cannot be relied upon. Dangerous marine life such as cnidaria (jellyfish) and physalia (Portugese Man-O-War) are common, and divers and swimmers should be prepared to administer first aid to themselves and other divers in their party. Divers are strongly encouraged to contact the Divers Alert Network (DAN) to obtain diving medical insurance in the event decompression is required, since air evacuation may be the only way to get to the nearest decompression chamber. DAN has a large network of dive physicians who are available for consultation and emergency response to its members.

Papua and Central Sulawesi: All travelers to Papua and West Papua provinces (including Raja Ampat,) and Poso in Central Sulawesi province must obtain a travel permit (surat jalan) from the Indonesian government to travel there. The process for obtaining a surat jalan frequently changes and is governed by the police department in the area where the travel will occur. Foreign tourists frequently use local travel agents to obtain travel permits to locations throughout Papua and West Papua provinces. Low-intensity communal conflict exists in Papua and has caused numerous deaths and injuries. Travelers should strictly avoid situations involving armed tribal members or riots and demonstrations. There have been numerous deaths and injuries during anti-government protests and during actions by the Indonesian security forces against suspected separatists. Between 2009 and 2014, gun shots from unknown attackers on the private road from Kuala Kencana to Tembagapura caused several casualties, including deaths, of government forces, local workers, and expatriate employees.

Mountain Hiking: If you are planning hikes or other outdoor activities in Indonesia, obtain up-to-date information on local conditions, travel with a reputable local guide, have overseas medical insurance, and carry a local mobile phone. Obey instructions from security and emergency personnel, and do not enter restricted areas. Organized and trained rescue services are rudimentary in populated areas and do not exist in many remote areas.

Hikers on Puncak Jaya or other mountains in Papua and elsewhere in Indonesia should organize their trip through a reputable tour operator and ensure that they have firm, realistic primary and backup plans for climbing down the mountain, including evacuation insurance. In the past, some local tour operators have abandoned climbers after they reached the summit or hikers after hiking trips have lasted more days than expected. Groups of climbers and hikers have also been abandoned by tour guides after disputes emerged during the tours about the fees charged by the tour guides. Climbers should be aware that transiting private or commercial properties on the way down the mountain is considered trespassing and not a safe or legal alternative to a proper plan. Hikers should assume that they will be completely on their own in case of any emergency. Hikers should be aware that severe seismic events occur frequently and without notice.

Teaching English in Indonesia: If you would like to teach English in Indonesia, carefully review employment contracts before traveling to Indonesia. Most contracts include a monetary penalty for early termination. English language schools may hold passports to insure that the employee complies with the terms of the contract, including paying the appropriate penalty for early termination of the contract. There have been many U.S. citizens who were unable to depart Indonesia because their employers would not release their passports after they had terminated their employment contracts early.

Commercial Disputes: If you are involved in commercial or property dispute, be aware that the business environment is complex, and formal, regulated, transparent dispute settlement mechanisms are not fully developed. Local and foreign businesses often cite corruption and ineffective courts as serious problems. Business and regulatory disputes, which would be generally considered administrative or civil matters in the United States, may in some cases be treated as criminal cases in Indonesia. In some instances, employees of U.S. companies in Indonesia have been subject to criminal penalties, including incarceration, as a result of judicial rulings stemming from commercial disputes.

If you or your company become involved in a civil business dispute in Indonesia, the Indonesian government may prohibit you from leaving the country, without advance notice, and until the matter is resolved. Although you may be able to appeal the travel ban on humanitarian grounds, there is no guarantee that the appeal will be granted. There have been cases where Indonesian authorities have prevented U.S. citizens from leaving Indonesia for weeks or months. .

For more information, please refer to the U.S. Department of State’s Investment Climate Report for Indonesia.

Internet Purchases: In the past, U.S. citizens have been defrauded when purchasing goods by Internet from Indonesian suppliers whom the buyer has not met personally.

Currency: Because of the widespread use of counterfeit currency, banks, exchange facilities, and most commercial establishments do not accept U.S. currency that is worn, defaced, torn, or issued before 1996.

Dual Nationality: Indonesian law does not recognize dual nationality for adults over 18 years of age. U.S. citizens who are also Indonesian nationals may experience difficulties with immigration formalities in Indonesia. Holding dual citizenship may also hamper the U.S. Embassy's ability to provide consular protection to dual national U.S. citizens. In addition to being subject to all Indonesian laws affecting U.S. citizens, dual nationals may also be subject to laws that impose special obligations on Indonesian citizens. Children under age 18 may legally hold foreign as well as Indonesian citizenship. Parents whose children hold both Indonesian and U.S. citizenship continue to report experiencing difficulties with entry and exit immigration procedures. Please visit our Dual Nationality page.

Customs Regulations: Indonesian customs authorities strictly regulate the import and export of items such as prescription medicines and foreign language materials or videotapes/discs. You should contact the Embassy of Indonesia in Washington or Indonesian consulates elsewhere in the United States for specific information about customs requirements. Transactions involving such products may be illegal, and bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeiture and/or fines.

Please see our Customs and Import Restrictions page.

Transportation: There has been a rapid increase in all types of public and private transportation within Indonesia. New private airlines have begun operations over the past several years, as have new bus and ferry lines. Air, ferry, and road accidents that result in fatalities, injuries, and significant damage are common. While all forms of transportation are regulated in Indonesia, oversight is spotty, maintenance may not be properly performed, and rescue and emergency capacity is limited. Travelers by boat or ferry should not board these conveyances before confirming that adequate personal floatation devices are provided. Ferries are frequently overcrowded and lack basic safety equipment, and a number of ferries that have sunk, resulting in loss of life.

Indonesia has experienced several fatal plane crashes and non-fatal runway overruns since 2011. Additionally, several ferry accidents and a train collision resulted in dozens of fatalities and even more injuries due to over-crowding and unsafe conditions.

WOMEN TRAVELER INFORMATION: If you are a woman traveling abroad, please review our tips for Women Travelers.

LGBT RIGHTS: According to Indonesia’s national laws, homosexuality is not illegal in Indonesia and is not specifically criminalized; however, local regulations in certain areas may effectively criminalize homosexual acts. In recent years, protesters have disrupted some LGBT events, but there are a number of LGBT organizations and venues across Indonesia, particularly in major cities and tourist areas. For more detailed information about LGBT rights in Indonesia,review the State Department’s annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. For further information on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) travel, please read our LGBT Travel Information page.

ACCESSIBILITY: While in Indonesia, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from in the United States. Indonesia has laws regarding accessibility for the disabled. However, most public places and transportation facilities are not accessible, and applicable laws are not enforced. Persons with disabilities will face severe difficulties in Indonesia as walkways, road crossings, rest rooms, and tourist and other areas are not equipped with features that accommodate persons who are disabled.