Indonesia is a unique destination in Southeast Asia, renowned for its natural beauty, climate, culture and the authenticity of its people. Situated in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, the country comprises over 17,000 islands. The colourful archipelago provides numerous reasons to visit, including beautiful beaches, impressive volcanoes, magnificent temples, culinary delights and the warm hospitality of its people. However, for first-time visitors, the question often arises about the safety of Indonesia. In this article, we’ll try to answer this question in detail.
Content:
- Crime and fraud
- Places to avoid
- Taxi rides
- Vaccinations and Healthcare
- Local laws
- Drugs and gambling
- Smoking and alcohol
- Food and water
- Emergency numbers in Indonesia
- Other safety tips for Indonesia
- Let us help you buy property in Indonesia!
Crime and fraud
In general, Indonesia can be considered a relatively safe destination for travellers. However, there are precautions that every tourist should take. The most common type of crime is petty theft, such as pickpocketing and in tourist areas like Bali, the risk of falling victim to pickpocketing is higher. To minimise this risk, it’s advisable to leave valuables at home or in your hotel room and to keep a close eye on your bag while walking.
Fraud, including ATM fraud, is also a possibility. We recommend that you withdraw and deposit money only at official ATMs located in financial institutions or reputable businesses. exercise caution when entering your PIN and regularly check your accounts for any suspicious activity.
Be mindful of your valuables, especially in tourist areas and avoid wearing expensive jewellery that might attract undue attention. While the people of Indonesia are generally friendly and peaceful, it's best not to leave personal belongings unattended in public places.
Places to avoid
Every country has areas that are better left unvisited and in Indonesia, these include the following:
- Blok M, South Jakarta. This area is not considered dangerous, but it’s known for its nightlife. Tourists should always be careful with local drinks.
- Cilincing, Jakarta. Cilincing is the largest slum in Jakarta, where various illegal activities thrive. It's better to avoid this area.
- Ancol Port Area, North Jakarta. This area has one of the highest crime rates in Jakarta, with gambling and other illegal activities taking place.
- The province of Central Sulawesi. The cities of Palu, Tentena and Poso in this region are at high risk of religious and political conflict. To avoid problems, it’s recommended to stay away from these areas.
Taxi rides
Exercise caution when using random taxis. If you must use them, make sure you know the current fares and possible routes. Be vigilant, especially with your luggage. There have been cases where drivers have left without waiting for payment, taking the tourist's belongings with them. Use reliable and licensed transportation to avoid fraud or unforeseen situations.
Vaccinations and Healthcare
Before travelling to Indonesia, it’s advisable to consult a doctor to ensure that you have the necessary vaccinations and medications. Indonesia is known for "Bali belly", which refers to food poisoning, diarrhoea or stomach upset that can result from eating local foods to which a tourist's body is not accustomed. It's a good idea to bring medications that can help in such cases. It's also important to ensure that you're protected against diseases such as yellow fever, dengue fever and other dangerous illnesses. Consider vaccinations for tetanus, typhoid, rabies, cholera and hepatitis B. Malaria is common in rural and remote areas such as jungles, so use mosquito repellent or avoid such areas if possible.
Local laws
When travelling in Indonesia, it's crucial to understand and respect local laws. Familiarise yourself with the culture, traditions and religious practices of the local people. A significant portion of the country's population follows Islam, which has relatively strict requirements for dress and behaviour. Show respect for local customs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, by abstaining from alcohol and dressing modestly. This advice is primarily for travellers outside Bali, where the dress code and standards of behaviour are more relaxed.
Drugs and gambling
The country has strict regulations, particularly concerning drugs. As per Indonesian Law No. 35/2009, possession of Group 1 substances such as heroin, marijuana and cocaine can lead to hefty fines and even life imprisonment. Individuals found guilty of drug trafficking may face the death penalty.
As for gambling, it can be associated with illegal groups that control this underground activity. If you have problems, you won't be able to get help from law enforcement. To ensure your safety in Indonesia, it’s advisable to avoid gambling.
Smoking and alcohol
Comply with smoking regulations. Be aware that Indonesia strictly prohibits smoking in public places, including streets, restaurants and public transportation. In tourist areas, you may also encounter unpleasant situations related to excessive alcohol consumption, especially for women travelling alone. Never accept a drink from a stranger. Additionally, in Bali, you might encounter a traditional drink called “Arak,” which some bars sell. There have been cases where methanol has been added to arak, causing serious illness and sometimes irreversible blindness. It’s recommended to avoid such establishments. Be careful and avoid dubious places where crowds gather, especially bars, nightclubs and dark alleys. Never leave your drink unattended.
Food and water
Do not eat cheap street food. Low prices are normal in Indonesia and you can have a delicious and filling meal at a café for as little as USD 5. However, if a random food stall offers you a large portion of food at a low price, it's worth thinking twice.
We also recommend that you avoid peeled fruit. It can be unsafe. Street vendors often sell fruit that has been peeled several hours ago, indicating less than ideal food processing and storage methods.
Avoid extremely hot sambal. This is a sauce served with many Indonesian dishes. Its heat can irritate your stomach and cause other health problems.
Avoid eating questionable meats. For example, beef is a popular product in Indonesian cities, but some vendors may offer something else under the guise of beef. It’s advisable to buy and consume food from reputable places.
Do not drink tap water. Only use bottled water. This precaution extends to activities such as brushing your teeth or washing food with tap water. Additionally, avoid using ice in your drinks.
Emergency numbers in Indonesia
In case of an emergency, you can also use the national emergency contact numbers:
- Police/Emergency: 110 or 112.
- Ambulance and Emergency Medical Services: 118 or 119.
- Fire Department: 113.
- Search and Rescue: 115.
- Disaster Relief: 129.
- International call operators: 101 and 107.
You can also contact the Public Communication Bureau of the Ministry of Tourism at +62 21 3838899.
Other safety tips for Indonesia
When travelling to this Asian country, it's important to have travel insurance for financial security against medical bills, lost luggage or other problems. Here are some additional recommendations:
- Don't trust unregistered guides. If you travel with a guide, ensure they possess all the necessary permits and licenses to ensure your safety and a positive travel experience.
- Keep in touch with family members. Keep your loved ones informed about your whereabouts and check in with them regularly.
- Always carry identification with you. Even if you plan to take an impromptu walk, make sure you have copies of your passport and visa for identification purposes.
In general, enjoy your trip and have a good time, but don't let your guard down.
Let us help you buy property in Indonesia!
Due to the rapid economic development in the past year, Indonesia has become one of the most attractive countries for real estate investment. For example, the expected return on investment in Bali can be up to 35% and your investment can pay for itself in 5-7 years. Moving here permanently is also a good idea, thanks to the pleasant climate, decent standard of living and affordable prices.
On our aggregator website, you can select suitable properties and apartments in Indonesia. Use special filters for location, price and property size to find properties that match your preferences. For your convenience, prices are listed in dollars, euros and other popular currencies.