Overall safety
Indonesia is generally safe for foreign residents [1,2]. Violent crime is relatively low. The main concerns are petty crime (especially in Jakarta and Bali), traffic accidents, and natural hazards (volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis). Terrorism risk exists but has declined since the 2000s, with security forces maintaining a strong presence.
Crime
- Petty theft: the most common crime for expats. Phone snatching from motorcycle passengers is frequent in Jakarta and Bali (Seminyak, Canggu). Bag theft from parked cars (smash-and-grab) occurs in tourist areas. Keep valuables out of sight in vehicles.
- Bali-specific: motorbike theft is very common in Bali. Always lock the steering, use a disk lock, and park in attended parking (parkir resmi). Leaving the keys in the ignition even for a moment risks theft.
- ATM skimming: more common than in Thailand. Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centres, not standalone ATMs on the street. Check the card slot for signs of tampering.
- Drugs: extremely strict enforcement. Marijuana possession carries up to 15 years; harder drugs carry life sentences or the death penalty. Bali's Kerobokan Prison has a significant number of foreigners incarcerated on drug charges. Zero tolerance.
- Alcohol poisoning: bootleg alcohol (oplosan) containing methanol has killed tourists in Bali. Only drink from sealed bottles at licensed bars. Avoid arak (local spirit) from unknown sources, though the government has tightened regulation.
Scams
- Jet-ski / motorbike rental scam: common in Bali. You rent a motorbike or jet ski, return it, and the landlord claims pre-existing damage. Photo-document everything before taking it. Use reputable rental agencies.
- Taxi overcharge: at Ngurah Rai Airport (Bali), only use the official airport taxi coupon counter. Touts offer 3x the price. In Jakarta, use Blue Bird or Grab. Street-hailed taxis in Jakarta frequently refuse the meter.
- "Temple closed" scam: in Bali, a local tells you a temple is closed for a ceremony and offers to take you to another site (that gives them commission). Verify at the temple entrance.
- Villa rental scam: fake listings on Facebook with beautiful photos: the "owner" collects a deposit and disappears. Use a trusted agent, view the property in person, or use a reputable platform.
- Money changer scam: street-side money changers giving less than the displayed rate or shortchanging. Use authorised money changers (PT licensed), check the USD-IDR rate before exchanging, and count the money before leaving.
Traffic safety
- Indonesia has one of the highest road fatality rates in SE Asia.
- In Bali, the most dangerous mix is inexperienced foreign riders on rental motorbikes + unlit roads + alcohol + no helmet. If you rent a motorbike, wear a helmet, do not ride after dark, and never after drinking. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.0 BAC for drivers.
- Pedestrian infrastructure is poor. Crossing major roads in Jakarta requires caution.
- Traffic in Jakarta is extremely congested. Average speed in peak hours is 10-15 km/h.
- In Bali, traffic has grown significantly in recent years. Canggu intersections are notorious. Drive defensively.
Natural hazards
- Volcanic activity: Indonesia has 130+ active volcanoes. Authorities closely monitor Mount Agung (Bali), Merapi (Java), Sinabung (Sumatra), and others. Significant eruptions can cause airport closures (Agung grounded flights from Bali in 2017-2018). Monitor the Magma Indonesia (PVMBG) app or website for alert levels.
- Earthquakes and tsunamis: Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Major earthquakes occur regularly. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami devastated Aceh. Tsunami warning systems exist but may not reach remote beaches. Know your evacuation route if living on the coast. The Bali tsunami warning buoys are maintained by BMKG.
- Flooding: Jakarta experiences severe annual flooding (especially January-February). Some areas of North Jakarta are below sea level and flood regularly. In Bali, flash floods occur during the rainy season (November-March) in some river valleys.
Areas with elevated risk
- Papua: occasional separatist-related violence. The UK FCDO and other governments advise against non-essential travel to Papua.
- Central Sulawesi (Poso area): past sectarian violence. Generally calm now but check current conditions.
- Aceh: applies sharia law. Alcohol is banned. Dress codes for women are stricter. Not a safety issue but important to know.
- Canggu / Seminyak (Bali): after midnight, the main streets attract drunk drivers and occasional fights. Petty crime higher in these areas. Exercise standard caution.
Scams targeting expats
- Visa agency scams: unofficial agents promising KITAS/KITAP extensions quickly. If the application is rejected, the agent disappears. Use only official imigrasi or licensed visa agencies.
- Land / villa purchase scams: selling land without clean title. Always use a notaris (notary) and verify the title (sertifikat) at BPN (National Land Agency) before transferring money.
- Police bribery: police checkpoints in Bali may stop foreigners on motorbikes without a SIM (driving licence) and ask for an on-the-spot "fine" (bribe). Having a valid SIM C avoids this entirely. If you receive a genuine fine, ask for an official ticket (tilang) and pay at the bank.
Emergency contacts
- Police: 110
- Ambulance: 118 / 119
- Fire: 113
- Search and rescue (BASARNAS): 115
- Tourist police (Bali): +62 361 754 599 / WhatsApp: +62 817-345-0847
- National emergency: 112 (mobile phones)
- Bali emergency services: 112 (police, ambulance, fire integrated in some areas)
This page provides general safety information and does not cover all risks. Always verify specific concerns with local authorities.