Asia and Oceania

No restrictions in this travel advice

Avoid all but essential travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all but essential travel to whole country

Avoid all travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all travel to whole country

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

• Following the 15 April suicide bombing attack on a mosque in the West Java town of Cirebon, which left 26 people wounded, and a suicide bombing attack on a church in Solo, which left 20 injured, it is possible that  further attacks could take place in the country.  Attacks may target Indonesia Government and law enforcement interests or more public places, including places of worship. Attacks may target Indonesia Government and law enforcement interests or more public places, including places of worship.
  
  
• There is a high threat from terrorism throughout Indonesia. Terrorist groups continue to plan attacks and have the capacity and intent to carry out these attacks at any time and anywhere in the country. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Attacks may also target Indonesia Government and law enforcement interests. Terrorist attacks in Jakarta on 17 July 2009 and in Bali in October 2005 and October 2002 killed and injured a number of British nationals. See Safety and Security - Terrorism.
  
  
• You should be particularly vigilant during holiday periods such as Easter, Christmas and Independence Day (17 August), which can be a time of heightened tensions in Indonesia. In the past, attacks have occurred during holiday periods in Indonesia. In recent years, the Indonesian Police have announced tightened security in public places such as airports, places of worship and major tourist areas over the holiday periods. You should exercise caution when visiting locations where large groups of people gather or which are known to be frequented by foreigners.
  
  

• You should exercise caution when travelling to Aceh, Central Sulawesi Province (especially Palu, Poso and Tentena), Maluku Province (especially Ambon) and Papua Province. On 19 October 2011 there were reports that police fired warning shots during a meeting of the Papuan People’s Congress on the outskirts of Jayapura city in Abepura district, and subsequent reports of a number of casualties.  You should be alert to the potential for politically motivated violence. See the Safety and Security -  Local Travel.
  
  

• With the exception of Garuda Airlines, Mandala Airlines (not currently operating), Airfast and Ekspres Transportasi Antarbenua (operating as PremiAir), Metro Batavia and Indonesia Air Asia, all other Indonesian passenger airlines are refused permission to operate services to the EU because Indonesia is unable to ensure that these airlines meet international safety standards. We advise you to avoid flying with Indonesian passenger airlines subject to the EU operating ban. See Safety and Security - Air Travel.
  
  
• Indonesia sits along a volatile seismic strip called the 'Ring of Fire'. Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur regularly and tsunamis are possible. On Sunday 4 December 2011, Gamalama Volcano in Ternate City (Maluku) erupted emitting thick ash around the city leading to the temporary closure of Sultan Baabullah Airport. Two thousand people were evacuated. It was reported that nine students were hiking the mount the day it erupted.  Six of them have been found alive whilst 3 remain missing. None are British citizens. See Natural Disasters.
  
  
• Outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Indonesia have led to over 100 reported human fatalities. Hospital officials reported that in October 2011 the H5N1 virus (which causes bird flu) claimed the lives of two local residents in the Bangli district of Bali. See the Health - Avian Influenza.
  
  
• Around 150,000 British nationals visit Indonesia every year; the majority of these visits are to Bali (Source: Office for National Statistics (ONS)). See General - Consular Assistance Statistics. Penalties for illegal drug importation and use are severe and can include the death penalty.
  
  
• You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See the General - Insurance.
  

Safety and Security - Terrorism
There is a high threat from terrorism throughout Indonesia. Terrorist groups continue to plan attacks and have the capacity and intent to carry out these attacks at any time and anywhere in the country. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Attacks may also target Indonesia Government and law enforcement interests.

On 25 September a suicide bomber attacked Gereja Bethel Injil Sepuluh church at Kepunton, Solo in Central Java shortly after the end of the service. One member of the congregation was killed and over 20 injured. The suicide bomber was also killed.

Following the 15 April suicide bombing attack on a mosque in the West Java town of Cirebon, which left 26 people wounded we believe further attacks may be planned on other locations in Java, including Semarang, Surabaya and SuraKarta (Solo).  Attacks may target Indonesia Government and law enforcement interests or more public places.

On 21 April, the Indonesian National Police disrupted a planned terrorist attack on Christ Cathedral, Gading Serpong, Tangerang, Banten. A number of suspects have been detained and a quantity of explosive material was recovered.

An explosion in the market area of Kalimalang, Bekasi, on the outskirts of Jakarta, occurred on 30 September 2010.

On 17 July 2009 suicide bombers carried out attacks against the Ritz Carlton and Marriott Hotels in Jakarta. Seven people were killed and 55 injured. Jemaah Islamiyah is believed to have been responsible for the Bali bombings in October 2002, which killed 202 people (including a number of British nationals), the Marriott Hotel bombing in Jakarta which killed 12 people in August 2003, and the Australian Embassy bombing in September 2004, which killed 11 people; and the Bali suicide bombings of 1 October 2005 which killed 20 people and injured a further 90.

These attacks underscore the ongoing terrorist threat in Indonesia. Venues known to be frequented by foreign visitors and expatriates, including beach resorts, bars and restaurants, hotels and shopping malls hosting major international brand outlets, tourist attractions, places of worship, ferry terminals and airports, are potential targets for such groups.

If you are visiting, or are resident in Indonesia, you should exercise caution at all times. Ensure that you are comfortable with, and regularly review, your and your family’s security arrangements. You should also be aware that on 14 May 2010, the Indonesian authorities announced that they had disrupted terrorist plans to carry out an attack on President Yudhoyono and unspecified international hotels in Jakarta.

You should be particularly vigilant during holiday periods such as Easter, Christmas and Independence Day (17 August), which can be a time of heightened tensions in Indonesia. In the past, attacks have occurred during holiday periods in Indonesia. In recent years, the Indonesian Police have announced tightened security in public places such as airports, places of worship and major tourist areas over the holiday periods. You should exercise caution when visiting locations where large groups of people gather or which are known to be frequented by foreigners.

If you are planning to travel overland or by boat to Malaysia or the Philippines, you should be aware that Philippines based terrorist groups also pose a risk. We advise against all travel to Mindanao, in the Philippines because of ongoing terrorist activity. Foreign nationals have also been kidnapped in the past in East Malaysia and we believe that this threat remains. See the FCO Travel Advice for Philippines and Malaysia.

You should be aware that the long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.

See Terrorism abroad. 

Safety and Security - Crime
You should beware of street crime and pickpockets. Take personal security measures such as:

• Taking particular care to safeguard your passport and credit/ATM cards. We receive regular reports of credit card theft after shop employees copied card details. You are advised not to lose sight of your credit card during transactions. In June 2009, police sources in Jakarta warned of a new form of fraud targeting bank customers who experience problems withdrawing cash from ATMs. The fraudsters reportedly display a fake assistance number on the ATM advising customers to report problems by telephone. Customers dialling the number are asked for their PIN and their card is never released from the machine.
  
• Beware of thieves while travelling on public transport. We receive regular reports of extortionate fares or robberies by unlicensed airport taxi drivers. Their vehicles are usually in poor condition, are unmetered, and do not have a dashboard identity licence. When taking a taxi, use one from a reputable firm, preferably booked by phone or arranged by your hotel, or booked by a registered taxi firm inside the airport. British Embassy, staff are advised to use only taxis from the Bluebird and Silverbird group. These are widely available at hotels and shopping malls in central Jakarta and at Sukarno-International Airport. You should take care to distinguish Bluebird and Silverbird vehicles from "look-alike" competitors. Further details.
  
• For longer journeys you should notify friends of travel plans, contact them on arrival and where possible travel in convoy. Always carry a reliable means of communication with you. Keep doors locked at all times and avoid travelling alone.
  
• We receive occasional reports of tourists who have been robbed after bringing visitors to their hotel rooms. In some cases their drinks were drugged. In 2009 the Indonesian National Police investigated a series of tourist deaths on Bali and Lombok (Gili Islands), including one British national. Their deaths may have been caused by drinking the traditional rice wine, arak, spiked with methanol.  In March 2010 there were media reports of deaths in similar circumstances in Bandung, West Java. If possible, seek local advice about reputable bars in the area which you are visiting and try to ensure that cocktails are prepared in your sight. Ensure your passport and wallet and other valuables are secure at all times. 

See Victims of Crime Abroad.

Safety and Security - Local Travel
You should ensure that you have the necessary permits when planning adventure trips in Indonesia. You should also ensure that you have a reliable and reputable guide in place for such a trip; failure to do so can lead to difficulties with local authorities should you need their help.

Extreme weather conditions are affecting much of Indonesia. Jakarta is experiencing frequent heavy rain resulting in widespread flooding and traffic gridlock. You should take extra care, particularly when travelling by boat. There have been an increased number of boats capsizing in recent weeks due to the stormy weather.

Flash floods and widespread flooding occur regularly. Cities - especially Jakarta - are frequently subject to severe localised flooding which can result in major disruption, and occasionally fatalities. Previous floods in Jakarta have affected a main toll road to the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. You should allow extra time for meeting flight connections in line with the prevailing weather conditions.

Our additional advice for British nationals in Indonesia who are travelling outside Jakarta is as follows:

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Bali
Most tourists to Indonesia visit Bali. Possession, trafficking and manufacture of illegal drugs are serious offences in Indonesia. Police often raid locations (particularly in Bali) known to be frequented by foreigners, and may require an individual to take a urine or blood test where they have reasonable suspicion that drugs have been taken. See Local Laws and Customs.

Poor standards of driving and varying road conditions can cause accidents for those deciding to hire self drive vehicles and mopeds. Anyone using a motorbike or moped should ensure that they wear a suitable safety helmet. It is not unusual for tourists involved in traffic accidents to be hospitalised as a direct result of not wearing protective headgear.

Medical facilities in Bali may differ from those in the UK. Government and private hospitals are available in Bali but the facilities to deal with more complex cases are limited. Visitors are not entitled to free medical care and should ensure they have comprehensive travel and medical insurance. The British Government cannot provide or pay for your medical treatment.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Central Sulawesi Province
We advise you to exercise caution when travelling to Central Sulawesi Province, especially Palu, Poso and Tentena because of the unsettled political situation. You should be alert to the potential for politically motivated violence. Sectarian violence broke out in Central Sulawesi Province in 1998, which claimed almost 600 lives between 1998 and 2001. A peace deal signed in December 2001 dramatically reduced sectarian conflict in the region. From 2003-2006 violence continued in the form of bombings and assassinations, predominantly in the towns of Poso and Palu. Since 2007 the situation has been much calmer but sporadic incidents continue to occur.  

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Maluku Province
We advise you to exercise caution when travelling to Maluku Province, especially Ambon, including Haruku Island (Pulau Haruku), which was the scene of serious civil unrest between different religious and tribal groups between 1999 and 2002. The region has continued to experience sporadic unrest, which has resulted in a number of deaths and serious injuries. On 11 September sectarian violence was triggered by rumours surrounding the death of a motorcycle taxi driver in a road accident. According to the local police seven people died and 65 others were injured.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Aceh
We advise you to exercise caution when travelling to Aceh, especially if travelling to remote areas. Aceh is emerging from a long period of internal conflict. You should remain alert to the risk of politically motivated violence. Although violence against foreigners is generally rare, there were three separate incidents in November 2009. On 5 November 2009 the Head of the German Red Cross was shot and wounded by unidentified men in Banda Aceh; on 16 November 2009 an incident took place involving suspected gunfire directed at the home of the resident EU representative; and on 23 November 2009 shots were allegedly fired at the house of two American lecturers at the Syiah Kuala University, also in Banda Aceh.  There have also been cases of verbal and occasionally physical harassment of single foreign women.

If you are visiting Aceh, you should make sure that you are well informed about the local situation at the time of your visit. You should avoid large crowds, demonstrations or political rallies, as elsewhere in Indonesia.  

We have in the past received reports of Shari'a (religious) police harassing foreigners in Aceh. You should therefore exercise caution and ensure that your behaviour does not offend local sensitivities.  

If you are travelling to Aceh to engage in humanitarian or reconstruction work, you should do so in conjunction with a well-established and reputable organisation that has permission to operate in Indonesia.

You should ensure that your organisation has a security plan approved by the Indonesian authorities, and is actively linked to the local security advice of the UN Office for Crisis and Humanitarian Affairs in Banda Aceh. You should ensure that you comply with local immigration controls and register with the police. We have been informed that tourists arriving at the airport in Banda Aceh can now obtain visas on arrival but regulations regarding entry into and permission to remain in Aceh can change at any time. You should check with the Indonesian Embassy in London prior to travel to obtain the most recent information on entry requirements and registration procedures while in Aceh.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Papua and West Papua
We advise you to exercise caution when travelling to the province of Papua and to seek local advice on your travel plans. There is a heavy security presence in some areas, especially along the border with Papua New Guinea.

Political tensions in Papua have given rise to sporadic violence, including in Jayapura, Abepura, Wamena and Sentani on the north coast, Timika town on the south coast and Wamena town in the highlands. On 19 October 2011 there were reports that police fired warning shots during a meeting of the Papuan People’s Congress on the outskirts of Jayapura city in Abepura district, and subsequent reports of a number of casualties. On 1 August 2011 four people were killed and a number of others seriously injured in a shooting attack on a public bus in the same region. . On 31 July 2011 at least 17 people were killed in clashes between political rivals in the remote Puncak Papua district in the Papuan highlands. In July and August 2011 there have been a number of clashes between security forces and armed groups in the remote Puncak Jaya district, including the capital Mulia. As elsewhere in Indonesia, you should avoid large crowds and demonstrations, which can turn violent. Papuan separatists have kidnapped foreigners in the past.

There has been increased tension since early 2009 in the area around Timika town in Papua province. On 24 January 2010 a number of people were injured in an armed attack on vehicles travelling between Timika and Tembagapura. In July 2009 there were a series of armed attacks on vehicles using the same road which resulted in at least three deaths and a number of injuries.

The situation in the province of West Papua is calmer although there remains the possibility of sporadic unrest. We advise you to monitor the situation and be alert to changing circumstances should you decide to travel to West Papua.

Permits are required to travel to both Papua and West Papua. Regulations for entry into and permission to remain in Papua can change at any time. You should seek the latest information on entry requirements and registration procedures from the Indonesian Embassy in London.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - East Kalimantan
In late September 2010, there were reports of ethnic violence in the city of Tarakan, East Kalimantan, during which access to the airport and seaport has been blocked and large numbers of people have been displaced. If you are in the area you should exercise caution and monitor media reports.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Road Travel
You cannot drive in Indonesia on a UK driving licence, but are permitted to use an International licence, which can be obtained in Indonesia. An International licence is obtained in the UK it may need to be endorsed by the Indonesian licensing office in Jakarta.

Traffic discipline is very poor; city streets are congested. Foreigners involved in even minor traffic violations or accidents may be vulnerable to exploitation. You should therefore consider employing a private driver or hiring a car with a driver. Some multinational companies refuse permission to their expatriate staff to drive in Indonesia.

British Embassy staff are advised to avoid driving themselves whenever possible.

Should you be involved in an accident or breakdown you should ensure someone remains with your vehicle. You may wish to consider leaving your driver, if you have one, in charge of your vehicle in such circumstances, if you have any concerns for your security and can move to another location safely. You should make yourself available for questioning by the police if requested to do so.

See Driving abroad. 

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Air Travel
Following eruptions of Mount Merapi and Mount Bromo volcanoes in November and January, flights are now operating as normal but the situation remains changeable. You should monitor local reports for further details and check with your airline for further information before travelling.

There have been a number of major aircraft crashes in Indonesia over the last ten years, for reasons including bad weather, poor maintenance and mechanical failure. On 7 May 2011, a Merpati Nusantara Airlines passenger plane crashed in West Papua province killing 25 people. An aircraft crashed on landing in Papua province on 13 April 2010 injuring many on board. On 20 May 2009 a military aircraft crashed in East Java province killing over 90 people.

With the exception of Garuda Airlines, Mandala Airlines (not currently operating), Airfast and Ekspres Transportasi Antarbenua (operating as PremiAir), Metro Batavia and Indonesia Air Asia, all other Indonesian passenger airlines are refused permission to operate services to the EU because Indonesia is unable to ensure that these airlines meet international safety standards. We advise you to avoid flying with Indonesian passenger airlines subject to the EU operating ban.

A full list of Indonesian air carriers subject to the EU ban can be found here.

If you already have a flight booked with an airline from Indonesia and it is part of a journey, which commenced in the EU you should consult your travel agent.

British Government employees are advised to use carriers, which are not subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the EU unless this is unavoidable. You should bear this in mind when making your travel plans.

From April 2010, all foreign nationals arriving on international flights at Jakarta, Yogyakarta and Solo airports may be required to provide their fingerprints at Immigration as well as have their photograph taken for immigration records. Plans are in place to extend this to other international airports within Indonesia.

When leaving the country by plane, departure tax varies by airport from 60,000 to 150,000 Rupiah. You will need to pay an Airport Tax of 150,000 Rupiah if departing through Jakarta International Airport, or from Bali International Airport.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Sea Travel

Inter-island travel by small boats can be dangerous as storms appear quickly and navigational equipment is often limited. There have been attacks against ships in and around the waters of Indonesia. Mariners are advised to be vigilant; reduce opportunities for theft; establish secure areas onboard; and report all incidents to the coastal and flag state authorities.

There have been a number of instances of passenger boats sinking in Indonesia. On 22 November 2009 a passenger ferry carrying 291 passengers and crew capsized off the Riau islands. Reports indicate that 29 people were killed. 

See our River and sea safety page.

Safety and Security - Political Situation
Whilst the overall political situation is stable, developments elsewhere, including the Middle East, resonate in Indonesia. You should follow news reports and be alert to any developments, which might trigger public protests or unrest.

You should avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings of people. International news events can sometimes trigger anti-Western demonstrations.  If you become aware of any nearby violence you should leave the area immediately. You should keep yourself informed of developments, including by regularly checking this advice.

Indonesia Country Profile

You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. See our Travelling during Ramadan page.

You should be aware of offending Islamic sensitivities. Westerners have occasionally been harassed by fundamentalists in bars and nightclubs, particularly around major Islamic holidays such as Ramadan.

Do not get involved with illegal drugs. Possession, trafficking and manufacture of such drugs are serious offences in Indonesia. Those caught face lengthy prison sentences or the death penalty, usually after a protracted and expensive legal process. Police often raid locations (particularly in Bali) known to be frequented by foreigners, and may require an individual to take a urine or blood test where they have reasonable suspicion that drugs have been taken. Drug use or the possession of even small amounts of drugs such as marijuana or ecstasy can lead to prison sentences longer than four years. Convicted traffickers or users of hard drugs such as cocaine or heroin face the death penalty in Indonesia.

Gambling is illegal in Indonesia. There have been cases where tourists have fallen victim to organised gambling gangs, resulting in the loss of large amounts of money. 

You must show evidence of your identity if it is requested by, for example, the Police. You should carry photocopies of the relevant pages of your passport and your arrival card to avoid losing the original, which should be kept in a safe place. 

See our Your trip page.

Entry Requirements - Visas
Visas are required for UK nationals entering Indonesia. Following changes implemented from 26 January 2010, British citizens visiting Indonesia are able to buy a 30 day visa upon arrival at a cost of US $ 25. Visas of this kind can be extended once for a maximum of 30 days by applying to Immigration offices within Indonesia. Seven day visas are no longer available. Some visitors may be able to use the on-board facility for purchasing visas before arrival. We understand that this service is currently restricted to a small number of flights, but is likely to be expanded in the future.

You should consult the Indonesian Embassy in London.

Entry Requirements - Passport validity
You must hold a valid passport to enter Indonesia. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Indonesia. Entry to Indonesia will be refused and airlines may not carry passengers holding passports with less than six months validity. You are required to retain you arrival card for presentation to Immigration upon your departure.

Entry Requirements - Overstaying your visa
Overstaying without the proper authority is a serious matter and visitors can be held in detention or refused permission to leave the country until a fine of Rp. 200,000 per day is paid. After overstaying for 60 days, you will be detained and possibly imprisoned for between six months and two years.

Entry Requirements - Registering
If you stay in private accommodation in Indonesia (not a hotel) you must register your presence with the local police or you could face a fine of Rp 5 million (£290). If you stay in a hotel you will be registered automatically.

Entry Requirements - Travelling with children
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. They may want to see birth certificates, a letter of consent from the other parent or some evidence as to your responsibility for the child. Contact the Indonesian Representation in London for further information.

The standard of local medical care in Indonesia can be poor and some medical tests cannot be done reliably. Good medical care can be very expensive and in remote areas attention for serious injuries or illness is likely to be unobtainable. You may require expensive medical evacuation costing up to tens of thousands of pounds. Therefore you should ensure your policy covers you for medical evacuation by air ambulance.

Indonesia suffers from periodic problems with air quality reaching hazardous levels because of seasonal smoke haze from forest fires. You are advised to check news reports and follow local advice.

Dengue fever, chikungunya and malaria occur in Indonesia. These diseases are transmitted by mosquitoes. There are no vaccinations against these diseases, but there are preventative measures that you can take, as advised on the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website. You should visit your GP to discuss malaria prevention tablets. The number of cases of dengue fever increases rapidly during the rainy season. A significant increase has been reported in areas in Kalimantan and East Java at the beginning of 2010.

There is a risk of rabies throughout Indonesia, in particular in Bali. A small number of deaths, from rabies have been reported in 2009 and 2010. Sanglah Hospital in Bali has prepared a special area to treat people suspected of being exposed to the rabies virus and doctors in other clinics in Bali have been trained to care for potential victims. . The District government of Nusa Penida, which includes the islands of Nusa Gede, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan, declared an "extraordinary situation" in January 2011 concerning rabies on the island group located a short distance from Bali's southeast coast.  If bitten or scratched by an animal you should seek medical attention. For further information about rabies see the NaTHNaC website.

A small number of cases of Legionnaires’ disease have been detected among travellers returning from trips to Bali since August 2010. Those affected were staying in the Kuta area.  Travellers returning from Bali who experience “flu-like” symptoms should contact their GPs and advise them of their recent travel. The WHO is investigating the possible sources of the outbreak.

In the 2010 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 300,000 adults aged 15 or over in Indonesia were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around 0.2% of the adult population, which equals the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. See our HIV and AIDS page.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Indonesia and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) or NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

See Travel health and Eat and drink safely.

Health - Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
There have been outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in commercial and backyard poultry and a small number of pig farms in Indonesia. Infected birds have been found in all of Indonesia's 33 provinces with the exception of Gorontolo and North Maluku and there are ongoing outbreaks. Indonesia has more confirmed cases of human fatalities than any other country. Most human cases had direct contact with sick/dead poultry or were exposed to environments with recent outbreaks of the virus.

Hospital officials reported in October 2011 that the H5N1 virus (which causes bird flu) claimed the lives of two local residents in the Bangli district of Bali. A team from the Bali Animal Husbandry Office are investigating the source of the virus. All local districts have been instructed to enhance their spraying operations to prevent further incidents.

Although the risk to humans from Avian Influenza remains low, you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

The WHO have confirmed that the deaths of seven members of one family in the TanaKaro district of North Sumatra in May 2006, were likely to be the result of limited, non-sustained human-to-human transmission of the virus. However, to date, there has been no evidence of widespread or sustained human-to-human transmission in Indonesia.

The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low. However, as a precaution, you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned of the possibility that the Avian Influenza outbreaks could lead at some point to a human flu pandemic, if the virus mutates to a form, which is easily transmissible between people.

British nationals living longer term in an Avian-Influenza affected region should speak to their employers about any pandemic influenza contingency plans which they may have in place and take personal responsibility for their own safety in the event of a future pandemic, including considering their access to essential supplies and adequate healthcare and ensuring travel documents are up to date. See our Avian and Pandemic Influenza page, which gives more detailed advice and information.

Indonesia sits along a volatile seismic strip called the 'Ring of Fire' in the Pacific. Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur regularly in Indonesia which can, where the severity and conditions of the quake combine, present a potential threat of tsunamis within the region. The 'ring-of-fire' is a horse-shoe-shaped zone of frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions that surrounds the basin of the Pacific Ocean. It is 40,000km long and is associated with a nearly continuous series of oceanic trenches, island arcs, and volcanic mountain ranges and/or plate movements.

Natural Disasters - Earthquakes
It is understood that 90% of the world's earthquakes and 81% of the world's largest earthquakes occur along the Ring of Fire which is a direct consequence of plate tectonics and the movement of collisions of crustal plates.

On 25 October, a powerful 7.5 earthquake hit the Mentawai islands off the coast of Sumatra resulting in a tsunami which killed over 400 people. There have since been a series of powerful aftershocks in the area and difficult weather conditions are affecting the rescue effort. You are advised to avoid the area.

On 30 September 2010, there were reports of a large earthquake off the coast of Papua. This is a remote area and there have not been reports of damage or casualties.

On 9 May an earthquake occurred off the coast of Northern Sumatra measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale.  On 6 April 2010, there was an earthquake in the same region measuring 7.7.  

An earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale occurred offshore from the city of Padang on 30 September 2009. On 1 October 2009 an earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale occurred 200 km south of Padang.  

An earthquake measuring approximately 7.4 on the Richter scale hit south of the island of Java on 2 September 2009.      

On 16 November 2008 an earthquake struck off the northern coast of the island of Sulawesi causing fatalities and structural damage to a number of buildings.

The 26 December 2004 earthquake and tsunami caused massive devastation to coastal areas in Aceh and parts of North Sumatra.

Natural Disasters - Floods
Flash floods and more widespread flooding occur regularly. Cities - especially Jakarta - are frequently subject to severe localised flooding which can result in major disruption, and occasionally fatalities. The collapse of the dam at Lake Situ Gintung on the outskirts of Jakarta on 27 March 2009 resulted in 98 deaths Landslides occur in rural areas during the rainy season.

Natural Disasters - Volcanoes
There are numerous volcanoes in Indonesia, any of which can erupt without warning.

On Sunday 4 December 2011, Gamalama Volcano in Ternate City (Maluku) erupted discharging thick ash around the city leading to the temporary closure of Sultan Baabullah Airport. Two thousand people were evacuated. It was reported that nine students were hiking the mount the day it erupted.  Six of them have been found alive whilst 3 remain missing. None are British citizens.

Mount Lokon volcano in North Sulawesi Province erupted on 17 August. The Indonesian Volcanology Agency has set a 3km exclusion zone around the area. You should monitor local media reports and follow advice of the local authorities. In March 2011, the alert level for Mount Karangetang volcano in Sulawesi was raised to the highest level following increased activity.

The alert status of Mount Bromo volcano, in East Java, remains changeable following eruptions in November 2010 and January 2011. These eruptions sent volcanic ash1,200m into the atmosphere disrupting some international flights. There is an exclusion zone of three kilometres in place. You should exercise caution if travelling to the area as air quality can be significantly reduced by the volcanic emissions of hot ash and toxic gases.

You should exercise caution if travelling to Yogyakarta as there remains a possibility of further eruptions from the Mount Merapi volcano. An exclusion zone of 2.5 kilometres remains in force, following eruptions in November 2010 which resulted in a number of fatalities. Flights to and from Yogyakarta were disrupted but have since resumed.

On 1 November authorities also raised the alert level for Mount Anak Krakatoa, located near Krakatoa Island between Sumatra and Java. Krakatoa's volcanic activity escalated after Mount Merapi erupted, with thick plumes of smoke containing toxic material emitted from the volcano. People are currently advised not to come within a three mile radius of Krakatoa.

Mount Sinabung, 60km (40 miles) south-west of Sumatra's main city Medan, erupted on 29 August 2010 after lying dormant for 400 years. It continues to emit ash and acrid smoke, which has previously blanketed villages and crops.

Local residents have been relocated from the surrounding areas. At least one person is reported to have died from breathing problems. The local authorities have evacuated everyone within a six-kilometre radius of the volcano. The status has now been revised from dormant to active and dangerous.

Since April 2008 Mount Soputan in North Sulawesi, Mount Egon on Flores Island, Nusa Tengarra, Mount Ibu in North Maluku and Anak Krakatoa in the Sunda Strait have shown significant increased volcanic activity.

You should exercise caution, check news reports and follow local advice before travelling to volcanic areas. The capacity of the Indonesian emergency and rescue services to deal with large natural disasters is limited.

For further information, you should visit the Indonesian Centre for Vulcanology's website.

General - Insurance
You should take out comprehensive travel insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions and make sure your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake, particularly if you plan to engage in adventure sports. Good medical attention for serious injuries or illness is likely to be unobtainable in remote areas, and may require expensive medical evacuation costing up to tens of thousands of pounds. You should therefore ensure that your policy covers you for medical evacuation by air ambulance. See Travel insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then see When Things Go Wrong.

General - Registering with the British Embassy
It is important that all resident British nationals register with the Embassy on the new online LOCATE system to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

General - Consular Assistance Statistics
Around 150,000 British nationals visit Indonesia every year; the majority of these visits are to Bali (Source: Office for National Statistics (ONS)). 60 British nationals required consular assistance in Indonesia in the period 01 April 2010 - 31 March 2011 for the following types of incident: 15 deaths; 13 hospitalisations; and 10 arrests, for a variety of offences.