Generally, withdrawing cash from the ATM at the airport is the best option, followed by exchanging your foreign currency to Indonesian rupiah at authorised money changing agents located at the arrival area. In remote areas there may be no English-speaking medical personnel. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window), Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window). Dont worry we wont send you spam or share your email address with anyone. You must exit Indonesia using the same passport that you used to enter. Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome. Some areas have increased risk. Food: Tap water is not safe for drinking in Jakarta, so it is advisable to have bottled water handy, for your safety, especially when dealing with the citys hot and humid conditions. See the Department of States Fact Sheet on Indonesia for information on U.S.- Indonesia relations. Recent reports include thefts of valuables or cargo from boats that are in port and out at sea. The UK governmenthas a list of recent terrorist attacks, including a 2022 attack on a police station in West Java, a March 2021 suicide bomb in front of a Catholic church in Makassar, and a June 2020 attack on a police station in Kalimantan, Borneo. Threats include landslides during the monsoon season, water-borne diseases, earthquakes, which have caused mass destruction even in the past, tsunamis, which have still not faded from many memories. I had a wonderful time here with my wife and our friends did not. Participating in demonstrations on a tourist visa can lead to deportation. Jakarta Warnings and Dangers. Tourists need to exercise a high degree of caution in Jakarta, and this is all due to the high threat of terrorist attack. Some drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are illegal in Indonesia. As such, tourists should be vigilant, and exercise caution. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS. Rather than carry out the robbery themselves, they work with criminal gangs by taking victims to a remote area of the city where a team of muggers are waiting. This place seems to get a lot of tourists and the locals do not slow down the pace for no one. Closely monitor bags and luggage and carry only essential items. Since foreigners are an easy target for mugging, there are some instances when their belongings are stolen, with violence used often. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Keep reading for detailed safety information on everything you might encounter, including crime. Visit the for the most current visa information. The United States tells its citizens to exercise increased caution in the country, but still allows travel to most of the country. Overall, it is safer than a lot of Asian cities, but you can never be careful enough. We cover all here, in our rundown of what you need to know when visiting Jakarta: Violent crime isnt common in Jakarta, however it does exist. Let us be your guide! However, petty crime is still present at tourist sites and in highly frequented places such as markets and public transport. Marijuana, Cannabis, hash, edibles, and products containing CBD or THC remain illegal in Indonesia, including for medicinal purposes. The UK government warns its citizens about common scams in its travel advisory. Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Indonesia has experienced several fatal plane crashes and non-fatal runway overruns in recent years. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include: Road Conditions and Safety:Traffic in Indonesia is hazardous, congested, and undisciplined. OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM. You have rejected additional cookies. Founded by a former globetrotting freelance journalist (BBC, USA Today & others), now our small team is here to help you plan your next adventure! Though women still struggle for equal rights in the country, being a popular tourist destination, Jakarta is relatively lenient when it comes to equality. Indonesia Let the crime statistics give you some peace of mind, but hold on to your wallet just in case. Maritime Safety and Security: Inter-island travel by boat or ferry can be dangerous: storms can appear quickly, vessels may be over-crowded and lack basic safety equipment, and safety standards vary. Natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis or volcanic eruptions may result in disruptions to transportation, infrastructure, sanitation, and the availability of health services. 2 To avoid falling victim to such a theft, it is important to only take a licensed regulated taxi. Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in Indonesia. Before visiting Indonesia, you should read up on disaster preparedness procedures so you know what to do in case a natural disaster occurs. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Central Papua and Highland Papua Level 4: Do Not Travel. Beware of the taxis which do not use meters for they mightcheat you of a fair price, by overcharging. Transport Risks:There are a lot of options for transport in Jakarta, including taxis and buses. These criminal gangs will then demand money and personal items, or even an ATM pin-code and card, and are sometimes armed. When an accident results in personal injury, Indonesian law requires both drivers to await the arrival of a police officer to report the accident. Carry your bags on the opposite side of your body from the road and try to walk far away from the curb if possible. Jalan Hayam Wuruk 310, Denpasar, Bali You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum, or cigarettes from new acquaintances. Indonesia - safety as a country Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia, one of the most populated cities globally, is located on the northwest coast of Java. Crime has been steadily declining over the past decade, which shows that crime in Indonesian society is on a positive trajectory. Indonesian prison conditions are harsh and do not meet U.S. standards. View all posts by Wandering our World. According to World Bank data, the rate of homicides is just one incident per 100,000 people (however, the last available data is from 2004). Sanitation and health care conditions in Indonesia are far below U.S. standards. Especially when some governments recommend that tourists should avoid Indonesias capital completely. Volcanoes: There are 127 active volcanoes in Indonesia. The area around Old Town covers very interesting places to visit and it is safe, but be aware that thebig flow of tourists attracts pickpockets and scammers. There are a few theories why the crime rate is so low, including strict punishments for crime, strong community networks, and lack of access to firearms. To minimize the risk, avoid travelling alone, especially at night; remain particularly vigilant in less populous areas; and be careful when dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances. As with any major tourist destination, U.S. citizens traveling in Indonesia are especially encouraged to always remain vigilant of their surroundings and read the following advisories carefully. Routine medical care is available in all major cities, although most expatriates leave the country for all but the most basic medical procedures. Find out about the Energy Bills Support Scheme, View a printable version of the whole guide, About Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice, advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks, information for women, LGBT and disabled travellers. Read the entire Travel Advisory. | Safety Concerns, Are the Canary Islands Safe to Visit in 2023? Robbery is an issue in Jakarta, and women are targets to criminal gangs. Taxis are the most common source of scams, which is fairly universal. Earthquakes and Tsunamis: There are approximately 4,000 earthquakes per year in Indonesia, or more than 10 per day on average. Final prices will be shared by our partner agents based on your requirements. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific issues in Indonesia. Demonstrations may become more frequent ahead of the Indonesian general elections scheduled for February 2024. Contracts with promises of large commissions, Assist you in reporting a crime to the police, Contact relatives or friends with your written consent, Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms, Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution. Female travelers in particular, must be wary, as sexual assault is a risk in Jakarta as outlined in the next section. Therefore be vigilant and take precautions. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Let the warnings make you cautious, but dont let them scare you off of going to Indonesia. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Religious festivals are also common targets, especially for terrorists motivated by religious extremism. Internet romance and financial scams occur in Indonesia. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. However, you can reduce your chances of becoming a victim significantly by being vigilant and sticking to the tips outlined above. So extra care should be taken there. Exercise increased caution in Indonesia due toterrorism and natural disasters. Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Indonesias Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Indonesias air carrier operations. Indonesias revised criminal code, which takes effect January 2026, includes penalties for defamation, blasphemy, cohabitation, and sex outside of marriage. Indonesia is a popular tourist destination and there is a big income gap between locals and visitors. Police presence and responsiveness is less than it is in the United States, making it more difficult to report crimes quickly and receive police attention. If you are the victim of a sexual assault, you should report it immediately to local authorities and to the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate General and seek medical attention. Crime is a problem all over the world, and Indonesia is no different. I live in usa. What about safety at night? Demonstrationsoccur frequently. However, it is the duty of governments to warn their citizens about all the possibilities they might encounter when going abroad, just for safetys sake. Be vigilant, reduce opportunities for theft, establish secure areas on board, and report all incidents to the coastal and flag state authorities. Street crime is common in most popular tourist destinations, and there have been terrorist incidents in the past. Take sensible measures to protect yourself and your belongings. Make two copies of all of your travel documents in case of emergency, and leave one with a trusted friend or relative. Compared to other countries of its size and income profile, Indonesia has a relatively low crime rate. I now run the Wandering our World team - this article was either written by one of our freelance staff writers and then edited by me, or written by myself. Hikers on Puncak Jaya in Papua should have realistic primary and backup plans for climbing down the mountain. Bali is the most popular Indonesian destination thanks to its beautiful beaches, unique Hindu-influenced culture, and many opportunities for a spiritual retreat. Extremists may target both official and private establishments, including government offices, hotels, bars, nightclubs, shopping areas, restaurants, and places of worship. However, alcohol consumption is frowned upon in Islam, which is the majority religion in Indonesia. Pickpockets:Although not a significant risk, but this act comes along with a city which is also a tourist attraction. You should avoid demonstrations and other mass gatherings, since even those intended to be peaceful can become violent. Therefore always take a licensed and official taxi that has been recommended to you by a friend, or hotel. Indonesia's revised criminal code, which takes effect January 2026, includes penalties for defamation, blasphemy, cohabitation, and sex outside of marriage. Camping In Brazil: The Rules, Tips & What You Need To Know. Criminal cases can take months or even years to resolve, and suspects can be held without charges for up to 60 days, and in many cases longer. So its natural that the question is Jakarta safe? Use an ATM in a secure location, such as a major bank branch, and check the machine for evidence of tampering. Sexual Assault: Women travelling alone may be subject to harassment and verbal abuse. For example, Mount Agung in Baliis an active volcano and authorities periodically publish alerts warning people not to visit. Ciliwung:This is Jakartas biggest slum and hence, has a lot of social instability. You should avoid demonstrations and other mass gatherings, since even those intended to be peaceful can become violent. Is Jakarta safe for tourists? Particularly dangerous trails may not be clearly labeled as such. It may cost a little more than hailing a cab on the street, but will be immeasurably safer. Recent incidents of extremist violence include a December 2022 suicide bombing at a police station in Bandung, West Java that killed one police officer, a March 2021 bomb attack against a church in Makassar, South Sulawesi which injured 20 civilians, and May 2018 bomb attacks against three churches in Surabaya, East Java which killed 15 civilians and injured 50. Tsunami warning systems may not be operable, or reports of tremors and tsunamis may be delayed. Vigilance is very high in this area, so if you do want to go, do take someone with you and keep your belongings close and watch out for thieves. Surabaya:+(62)(811) 334-183 Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities prior to practicing or operating a business. Serious injuries require medical evacuation to another country. It is best to not drink the water straight from the tap in Jakarta, as you will almost certainly end up with stomach issues. A high threat of terrorism exists in Jakarta, with several attacks taking place in the last two decades. Sharia Law: Sharia law is enforced in Aceh province and may exist unofficially or through local legislation in other areas. Armed separatists may kidnap foreign nationals. 4th Floor (West Tower) If the driver does not wish to drive though a particular neighborhood then it may be best to listen. You will have to take some precautions, such as avoiding the province of Papua, but overall the country is still safe to travel to. If you are an Indonesian with dual nationality, you could be compelled to renounce your Indonesian nationality through a formal act of renunciation. Please visit our Dual Nationality page. Public transport in Jakarta can be considered safe, but overcrowded and thus targeted by pickpockets. The Indonesia Tsunami Early Warning Centre issues tsunami warnings when a potential tsunami with significant impact is imminent or expected. There have also been deaths and serious illnesses caused by drinking alcoholic drinks contaminated with methanol. 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Violent crime and house robberies usually take place at dusk and dawn, and so walking alone at night is to be avoided. Jl. Indonesias revised criminal code, which takes effect January 2026, includes penalties for defamation, blasphemy, cohabitation, and sex outside of marriage. ), Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists, Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Fake Arak, dangerous for your health, is often offered to tourists since it costs less because methanol is used instead of alcohol. Therefore its still best to ask your hotel to phone a taxi for you. Below we outline more about crime in Jakarta, tips to stay safe and scams to avoid. For more information, see our Terrorism page. These revisions, however, will not come into force until January 2026, and how they will be implemented is unclear. All these are significant threats to Jakarta, so when you do travel, keep in mind these things as well as the season in which you visit, to minimise the chances of disaster. Either boil the water before drinking, or buy bottled water. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. We have so many great cafes, restaurants, street food, attractions you should try. Follow local news and weather reports carefully and obey government alerts telling you if certain parts of the country are too dangerous to visit. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information. Jakarta does have problems with crime, however the vast majority of visits will go smoothly. The risk of terrorism in Indonesia is still present, but it is declining greatly. An average of 1.5 thousand natural disasters occur in Indonesia each year, and the numbers are increasing as climate change increases the intensity of some forms of disaster. Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance. Keep bags secured. However, robberies and street crime occur here a lot because the crowds attract a lot of pickpockets. According to Numbeo,most respondents are concerned about break-ins, theft from vehicles, mugging, and theft. Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthlemy (French West Indies), North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea). Criminal problems have become more serious in the last 10 years and pick-pocketing or bag snatching are the most common crimes. While most earthquakes are mild, some cause significant destruction and can trigger tsunamis. New Zealand also has most of Indonesia under a Level Two travel advisory. Telephone: +(62)(21) 5083-1000 This fact results in a high crime risk than the rest of the city. Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. The U.S. Consulate in Medan provides only emergency assistance to U.S. citizens and does not offer routine consular services. The Government of Indonesia screens incoming passengers in response to reported outbreaks of pandemic illnesses. International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (. Indonesia has some problems with organized crime. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message. Traffic signals are frequently ignored and often in disrepair. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting police stations, places of worship, hotels, bars, nightclubs, markets/shopping malls, and restaurants. Ferries have sunk, resulting in loss of life. Just keep an eye on your valuables and monitor the local news to learn about any threats in time, and you should have a safe trip. Telephone: +(62)(31) 297-5300 If you overstay your visa, you are subject to a fine of 1 million Indonesian rupiah (about $70 USD at current exchange rates; fees may change at any time) per day and may be detained and deported. Some tourists have also reported bags being stolen whilst in busy areas, such as malls and restaurants. If you are the victim of a sexual assault, you should report it immediately to local authorities and to the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate General. However the main issue for tourists and travelers to Jakarta is petty theft. If you can avoid walking at night completely, that is even better. I now run the Wandering our World team - this article was either written by one of our freelance staff writers and then edited by me, or written by myself. Consider the impact smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you and consult your doctor before traveling if necessary. Therefore its advised to be discreet as Indonesia remains very conservative in comparison to many Western nations. In general, as long as you exercise awareness and precaution, avoid walking alone at night and be wary of strangers you do not have to worry about your safety in Jakarta. I agree with most of informations. FCDO also advises against all travel to the southeast area of Mount Semeru along the Besuk Kobokan river (approximately 13 km from the crater). If a major earthquake or landslide occurs close to shore, you should follow the instructions of local authorities, bearing in mind that a tsunami could arrive within minutes. Take particular care of your passport and bank cards and avoid traveling alone. TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : MEDIUM Gili Trawangan, Compare quotes from upto 3 travel agents for free, 62 Common Indonesian Phrases Every Traveller Should Know. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. Travelers should generally carry a copy of their passport with them whenever possible to establish their identity and proof of Indonesian visa. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water. Besides petty theft, there are far more serious crimes you have to worry about in Indonesia. Be aware of your personal safety and security at all times. U.S. citizens have been jailed for visa overstays or entering the country on the wrong visa class for their purpose of travel. Indonesia is located in the Ring of Fire, a region of the Pacific Ocean that is very seismically active. Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages. But what about violent crime? The most common crime youll encounter in Indonesia, like almost anywhere else in the world, is petty theft. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. In particular snatch and grabs are becoming more common. 1.Police/General Emergencies: 110 or 112(From Satellite and Mobile Phones)2.Ambulance and Medical Emergencies: 118 or 1193.Firefighter: 1134.Search and Rescue (BASARNAS): 1155.Natural Disaster Assistance: 1296.Bureau of Public Communication of the Ministry of Tourism: +62 21 3838899. | Safety Concerns, The 15 Best Hotels in Hawaii in 2023 | For All Budgets, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Hawaii in 2023, Is Hawaii Safe to Visit in 2023? Dressing conservatively may help reduce that. Taking shortcuts through private property is considered trespassing and is not a safe or legal alternative to a proper plan. Since 2014, several private pilots have inadvertently crossed into Indonesian airspace and have been detained and paid heavy fines. Citra Raya Niaga No. Indonesias revised criminal code, which takes effect January 2026, includes penalties for defamation, blasphemy, cohabitation, and sex outside of marriage. Information may also be posted to the websites of theU.S. Coast Guardand theNational Geospace Intelligence Agency(select broadcast warnings). Common scams include: Sexual assault: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should seek prompt medical assistance, contact the Embassy or nearest Consulate, and call the local police at 112. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Never go hiking or climbing alone. They do not know how things work, and the locals tend to take advantage of that fact. Medical Care: For emergency services in Indonesia dial 112.