Indonesia Safety Guide 2025
Stay safe during your Indonesia trip with essential safety information.
Safety Overview
Indonesia is generally safe for tourists with standard precautions. Petty theft is the primary concern in tourist areas, while natural hazards (earthquakes, volcanic activity, tsunamis) and marine safety (boat standards) require awareness.
Indonesia is a vast archipelago of over 17,000 islands, offering incredible diversity from ancient temples and volcanic landscapes to pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs. Home to unique cultures, world-class diving, and lush rainforests, it's a paradise for adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts alike.
Current Advisory
Exercise normal caution throughout Indonesia. Some areas (Papua, parts of Maluku, border regions) have elevated advisories. Natural disaster preparedness is essential.
Last updated: 2025-01
Travel Advisories
Official warnings and recommendations from government sources.
US State Department
Exercise increased caution in Indonesia due to terrorism, natural disasters, and civil unrest in some regions. Avoid Level 4 areas: Papua border regions near PNG.
UK FCDO
There is a high threat of terrorism in Indonesia. Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreigners. Exercise caution in tourist areas.
Official Advisory Sources
- 🇺🇸 US: travel.state.gov
- 🇬🇧 UK: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
- 🇨🇦 Canada: travel.gc.ca
- 🇦🇺 Australia: smartraveller.gov.au
Safety Checklist & Emergency Card
Download our printable safety checklist and emergency contact card.
Common Scams to Avoid
Be aware of these common tourist scams.
Fake Money Changers Kuta
Unlicensed money changers on Kuta's tourist strip use sleight of hand, distraction, and calculator tricks to shortchange tourists — the 'best rate' is often the worst deal
Taxi Overcharging
Unlicensed taxis waiting outside Ngurah Rai Airport and outside clubs will demand inflated fixed prices with no meter — common complaints include 5-10x standard rates at night
Gem/Art Investment Scam
Friendly strangers in Jakarta or Bali tourist areas invite travelers to gem shops or art galleries with supposed 'special deals', convincing them to purchase items as investments that are actually worthless
Bali Timeshare Touts
Approach by friendly touts offering free transport or discounted activities in exchange for attending a 'short' property presentation that turns into high-pressure sales for 3-4 hours
Temple Entry Fee Scam
Men standing outside temples claim there is a 'special ceremony' today requiring guests to wear a sarong (available to rent from them), or that the temple is 'closed' except via their tour
Essential Safety Tips
Practical advice for staying safe during your trip.
Avoid large gatherings and demonstrations
Be vigilant in tourist areas for petty crime
Monitor volcanic and seismic activity through local authorities
Use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps
Keep copies of passport and important documents
Respect local customs and dress modestly outside tourist areas
Check boat safety standards before maritime travel
Register with your country’s embassy or consulate upon arrival; keep the emergency number saved in your phone
Natural disasters including earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions are real risks—download the BMKG app for early warnings
Be cautious of drink-spiking scams in Bali nightlife areas, especially in Kuta and Seminyak; never leave drinks unattended
Safety by Traveler Type
Solo Travelers
Generally safe for solo travelers. Use Gojek/Grab apps rather than unmetered taxis. Keep digital copies of your passport. Indonesia's Muslim culture means hospitality is widespread — solo travelers commonly invited for impromptu meals or conversations. Download the BMKG app for earthquake and volcanic activity alerts.
Female Travelers
Indonesia is generally safe for female solo travelers with normal precautions. Bali is one of Southeast Asia's most female-traveler-friendly destinations. Dress modestly outside of beach areas to avoid unwanted attention. Avoid walking alone after midnight in Kuta and Legian. Catcalling can occur in busy city areas — a confident stride and firm 'tidak' (no) is usually sufficient.
Families
Highly family-friendly destination. Balinese culture is extremely welcoming to children. The main considerations are traffic safety (Bali's chaotic roads), food hygiene (stick to cooked foods and peeled fruit for young children), and sun protection at tropical latitudes. Nusa Dua and Sanur in Bali are the safest areas for families with young children due to calm waters and resort infrastructure.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is not illegal nationally in Indonesia (except Aceh Province, which enforces Sharia law, and a 2023 Yogyakarta Perda ordinance). However, Indonesian law does not recognize same-sex partnerships and public acceptance is very limited. Bali is relatively more accepting in tourist areas. Discretion is strongly advised throughout the country. Avoid public displays of affection anywhere. Some recent high-profile police actions in Jakarta have targeted LGBTQ+ venues.
Health & Medical
Stay healthy during your trip.
Vaccinations
Recommended: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Tetanus-Diphtheria, Rabies (if rural travel). Required: Yellow fever certificate if arriving from endemic countries. Dengue fever risk present — use mosquito repellent. Malaria risk in Papua, Maluku, and some eastern islands — take prophylaxis if visiting.
Water Safety
Tap water is NOT safe to drink anywhere in Indonesia. Use sealed bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. Ice in tourist restaurants is generally safe; avoid ice at street stalls.
Food Safety
Street food is generally safe when freshly cooked at busy stalls. Avoid pre-prepared foods sitting in open containers for long periods. Peel fruit yourself. Symptoms of Bali belly (traveler's diarrhea) are common the first few days — carry oral rehydration salts.
Medical Facilities
Good private hospitals in Bali (BIMC Kuta, Siloam), Jakarta (MRCCC, RS Premier Bintaro), and Yogyakarta. Regional hospitals adequate for routine care. Remote areas have limited facilities — comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential.
Medication Tips
- Bring enough prescription medication for your entire trip plus extra
- Keep medications in original containers with pharmacy labels
- Carry a letter from your doctor explaining your medications
- Some medications may be restricted - research before traveling
- Pack basic medications: pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, antihistamines
Emergency Contacts
Important numbers to have on hand.
Emergency Services
Police, Fire, Ambulance
Medical Emergency
Hospitals and clinics
Your Embassy
Consular assistance
Tourist Police
Tourist assistance
Before You Go
- Register with your embassy's travel notification program
- Save emergency numbers in your phone
- Note your hotel's address in local language
- Share your itinerary with family/friends
- Know your travel insurance emergency hotline
Travel Confidently in Indonesia
Get our complete safety guide with emergency card, insurance recommendations, and area-by-area safety ratings.
Download Safety Guide