Indonesia Advice & Safety

Updated:14 October 2025
Still Valid:Yes
Latest update: We’ve reviewed our advice for Indonesia and continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution overall. We’ve lowered the level for Papua and South Papua provinces to exercise a high degree of caution. Higher levels still apply in some areas. You must always carry identification (or a copy) such as your passport or resident stay permit. Officials conduct ID checks in tourist areas, including in Bali.

Heavy rains have caused significant flooding in urban areas, including in Bali and the greater Jakarta region, disrupting transportation. Walking and driving in flooded areas is dangerous. Keep up to date with the news and listen to local authorities.

If you visit Bali, read the local government’s “Do’s and Don’ts” for tourists. Bad behaviour that disrespects local culture or religion can get you in trouble or even deported.
 

We advise: Exercise a high degree of caution in Indonesia overall due to security risks. Higher levels apply in some areas.

Advice Levels

Level 2
Exercise a high degree of caution in Indonesia overall due to security risks.
Level 3

Reconsider your need to travel to the provinces of Papua Pegunungan and Papua Tengah due to the risk of serious security incidents or demonstrations that may turn violent.

Full Advice

  • There’s an ongoing risk of terrorist attack in Indonesia. Be alert to possible threats. Take official warnings seriously and follow the advice of local authorities. Popular tourist areas and government buildings may be the target of terrorist attacks.
  • Travel by boat or ferry can be dangerous. Commercial and private boat and ferry operators may not comply with international safety and maintenance standards.
  • People have drowned in coastal areas, due to rough seas and strong rip currents at popular tourist beaches in Bali, Lombok, the Gili Islands, Labuan Bajo and Raja Ampat. Many beaches are unpatrolled and local beach rescue services may not be of the international standard.
  • Drinks may be spiked or mixed with toxic substances. Be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks. Don’t leave food or drinks unattended. See our advice on Partying safely while overseas.
  • When undertaking adventure activities, ensure that functioning safety equipment is available, that you have travel insurance and that your policy covers you for these activities.
  • Public protests and events that draw large groups of people occur regularly and can turn violent with little notice. Expect traffic delays and restricted access to locations if there are protests. Avoid protests and demonstrations and monitor local media for the latest updates.
  • There’s been tension, including demonstrations and violence, in Indonesia’s Papua provinces. There are heightened instances of violence within the provinces of Papua Pegunungan (Highland Papua) and Papua Tengah (Central Papua), as well as towns close to the border of these provinces. Armed groups have stated that they’re targeting foreigners. Our ability to provide consular support in these provinces is limited. Armed groups have killed a foreign pilot and shot at aircraft, including commercial planes, in remote airports in the provinces of Papua Pegunungan and Papua Tengah.
  • Many of Indonesia’s volcanoes are active and can erupt without warning. Exclusion zones around volcanoes and volcanic activity can change at short notice, leading to flight disruptions and airport closures, including in surrounding provinces. Follow advice of local authorities. Contact your airline for the latest flight information. Monitor Indonesia’s Volcano Observatory Notice for the latest volcanic activity (Bahasa Indonesia and English), Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System and the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre for updates.
  • Petty and violent crime occurs in Indonesia. Opportunistic crime, such as pickpocketing, occurs. Crimes involving taxis and taxi drivers occur. Solo women are at higher risk. Always be alert in taxis, public transport, crowds, bars and nightclubs.
  • Natural disasters such as severe weather, floods, landslides, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis occur regularly. Weather conditions can change quickly during the wet season (usually around October – April; however, the wet season can be different in Eastern Indonesia). Regularly check weather reports, monitor media and speak to your travel provider before continuing with planned activities. Follow advice of local authorities.
  • The standard of medical facilities in Indonesia is generally lower than in developed countries. Many regional hospitals only provide basic facilities.
  • Some medications, including prescription medications, drugs for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and all cannabis-based products, including medicinal cannabis, cannabis-based oils and creams, hemp-based products, CBD, THC, hash and edibles, are illegal in Indonesia. Harsh penalties, such as arrest and jail time, can apply even if you have a prescription. Make sure your medication is legal in Indonesia.
  • Purchasing prescription medication online or over the counter in Indonesia without an Indonesian prescription is illegal. Ensure you provide a valid prescription from an Indonesian doctor before purchasing prescription medication and confirm that it’s accepted by the seller before your purchase.
  • Dengue occurs throughout Indonesia, including Bali, Jakarta and other major cities. Many health authorities have reported a recent increase in dengue infections in people returning from Bali. This includes people returning from popular tourist regions.
  • Periodic outbreaks of measles continue to be reported in Indonesia, including Bali. Ensure you are fully vaccinated. Consult your travel doctor on vaccine requirements before you travel and make sure your vaccines are up to date.
  • Indonesia has revised its criminal code, which includes penalties for cohabitation and sex outside of marriage. These revisions will not come into force until January 2026.
  • Penalties for drug offences include heavy fines, lengthy prison sentences and the death penalty. Do not possess or use illegal drugs in Indonesia. Police target tourist destinations and events.
  • Some medications are illegal in Indonesia. Harsh penalties can apply even if you have a prescription. It’s also illegal to purchase prescription medications online or over the counter without an Indonesian prescription. Ensure you have a valid Indonesian prescription.
  • The death penalty exists for some crimes in Indonesia.
  • Learn about local customs and take care not to offend. Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative in many parts of Indonesia. Respect local religion, places of worship, traditional ceremonies and religious offerings. Do not climb sacred trees or take photographs that may be offensive, including at religious and cultural sites. It’s sometimes illegal to take photographs in certain locations in Indonesia. Obey signs banning photography. Before you travel to Bali, read the Bali Provincial Government’s official ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ advice. Failure to observe local customs and laws may lead to criminal penalties and/or deportation. If in doubt, check with local authorities or your travel provider.
  • Aceh Province upholds aspects of sharia law. Sharia law is intended for Muslims only. It may be applied to non-Muslims, including foreigners, in some circumstances. Inform yourself about the laws and be careful not to offend or break local laws. If in doubt, seek local advice.
  • Indonesian authorities have strict standards for damaged passports, and travellers have been refused entry into Indonesia with a damaged passport. Normal wear and tear, including water damage, minor tears or rips to the pages, can be considered damaged. Always carry your passport or resident stay permit (if applicable), or a copy. Indonesian officials conduct checks on travellers in tourist areas, including in Bali.
  • Before entering Indonesia, ensure you understand your visa conditions, entry and exit requirements, including if you’re travelling by private sea vessel. Entry, exit and transit conditions can change at short notice, including to Bali and Jakarta by air, land or sea. Check requirements with your travel provider, Indonesian Immigration or an Embassy or Consulate of Indonesia. Contact your travel provider and monitor media for the latest updates. The Australian Government can’t intervene in immigration, customs or quarantine matters in other countries.
  • Foreign tourists entering Bali are subject to a tourist levy of IDR 150,000 per person. The tourist levy is separate from the e-VOA or the Visa on Arrival. Cashless payments can be made online prior to travel or on arrival at designated payment counters at Bali’s airport and seaport. For further information, see the Bali Provincial Government’s official website and FAQs.
  • If you’re travelling to Indonesia for tourism, official government duties, business meetings, or just transiting through Indonesia at international airports, seaports and land crossings, you can apply for an e-VOA online at least 48 hours before your travel, through the Directorate General of Immigration e-Visa Website or through the All Indonesia website after submitting your All Indonesia Arrival Card online. You may need to apply for a visa in advance to enter Indonesia for purposes not covered by the e-VOA or VOA. Make sure you’re on the correct visa for your purpose of visiting. Check the e-VOA requirements from Indonesian Immigration before applying.
  • To apply for the e-VOA or VOA, you must have an ordinary (non-emergency) passport with at least 6 months of validity from the date you plan to enter. It’s recommended that you have at least 6 months of passport validity from the date you plan to leave Indonesia and a return or onward flight booking to another country to avoid any issues with your departure or onward travel.

Depending on what you need, contact your:

  • family and friends
  • travel agent
  • insurance provider
  • employer
  • airline

Fire services

Call 113.

Search and rescue services

Call 115.

Medical emergencies and ambulance

Call 119.

Police

Call 110.

SMS 1717 for Jakarta Police

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.