Asia and Oceania

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.  

Terrorists have shown that they have the means and motivation to carry out successful attacks in Indonesia. 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.  JI 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 are potentially targets for such groups. 

If you are visiting, or are resident in Indonesia, you should exercise caution at all times.  We advise you to ensure that you are comfortable with, and regularly review, you and your family’s security arrangements.

You should be particularly vigilant during holiday periods such as Easter and Christmas, 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 and major tourist areas over the Christmas and New Year period.  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. Please 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.

For further information see Terrorism abroad.

 

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, Jakarta, 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 it is a sensible precaution to 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 and the Indonesian National Police have reported an increase in drink-spiking incidents in 2008. In June 2009 the Indonesian National Police began investigating a series of tourist deaths on Bali and Lombok (Gili Islands), including one British citizen.  Their deaths may have been caused by drinking the traditional rice wine, arak, spiked with methanol.  Arak is often used as a base for cocktails.  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.

 

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

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. 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

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.

Flash floods and more widespread flooding occur regularly during the rainy season from November to March. 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:

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.

  

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.

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  the Head of the German Red Cross was shot and wounded by unidentified men in Banda Aceh; on 16 November an incident took place involving suspected gunfire directed at the home of the resident EU representative; and on 23 November shots were allegedly fired at the house of two American lecturers at the Syiah Kuala University, also in Banda Aceh.    Police are investigating. 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.  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.

 

Aceh continues to suffer the after-effects of the December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Reconstruction work is largely complete, roads, medical care and accommodation facilities for visitors in the western and northern coasts of Sumatra and outlying islands are still being improved.

Papua and West Papua

We advise you to exercise caution when travelling to Papua (including the Province of Papua and the Province of West Papua, formerly known as Irian Jaya Barat) and to seek local advice on your travel plans. Political tensions in Papua have given rise to sporadic violence. There is a heavy security presence in some areas, especially along the border with Papua New Guinea. If you are visiting Papua, you should exercise caution. As elsewhere in Indonesia, you should avoid large crowds and demonstrations, which can turn violent.

 

Papuan separatists have kidnapped foreigners in the past.  There remains a small but significant risk.

Throughout 2009 there have been increased tensions in Papua province. Since 11 July a series of armed attacks on vehicles using the main road between Timika and Tembagapura have resulted in at least three deaths and a number of injuries.  During April and May 2009 there were a series of incidents including small-scale attacks on police and military posts in the Abepura and Jayawijaya districts, as well as a number of civilians killed in the vicinity of Wamena town.  On 6 May protestors blocked the main road linking Sentani airport to the provincial capital Jayapura following the shooting of an individual after an altercation between a group of local residents and the police.  

Permits are required to travel to 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.

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, Jakarta staff are advised to avoid driving themselves whenever possible.

Should you be involved in an incident such as 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.

Reports suggest that motorcyclists are more likely to be involved in road accidents than those driving cars.

 

For further information see Driving abroad.

 

Air Travel

You should be aware that 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.  The most recent major incident occurred on 7 March 2007, when an aircraft burst into flames on landing in Yogyakarta, Java, killing over 20 people.

With the exception of Garuda Airlines, Mandala Airlines, Airfast and Ekspres Transportasi Antarbenua (operating as PremiAir) all Indonesian airlines are refused permission to operate services to the EU because Indonesia is unable to ensure that all its airlines meet international safety standards.  It is recommended that you avoid flying with Indonesian carriers subject to the EU operating ban.  

 

List of carriers banned from the EU

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.

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.

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.  Most recently, on 11 January 2009, a passenger ferry carrying 267 passengers and crew capsized off the island of Sulawesi, reportedly killing 99 people following the rescue of 168 by Search and Rescue and local fisherman.

 

For more general information see River and sea safety