Travel Safety in Indonesia

The risks in Indonesia vary according to the profile of the traveller and the area of travel. In most areas, petty crime is the primary concern, especially in major cities such as Jakarta. Although less frequent, violent crime does occur, and female visitors have been known to be targeted after spiking incidents.

There is an ongoing risk of terrorism across the country. Major commercial and tourist centres across the country have been targeted, including Bali. In the provinces of Central Papua (Papua Tengah) and Highland Papua (Papua Pegunungan), regular acts of violence between armed and community-based groups and security forces occur. In these provinces there is also agitation against foreign mining operations; this places foreign visitors at a discriminate risk.

Protests occur frequently and can carry a strong anti-foreign sentiment, especially in Central Papua (Papua Tengah) and Highland Papua (Papua Pegunungan). Religious discrimination is possible in parts of Aceh province, which is governed under a special form of Sunni Sharia law.

Indonesia is also periodically affected by various natural hazards, including earthquakes, typhoons and volcanoes. Adequate private healthcare is available in Jakarta, Bali and other major centres but is limited elsewhere.