Asia and Oceania
Indonesia
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Still current at: 03 December 2008
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Updated: 17 November 2008
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This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Natural Disasters (On 16 November 2008 an earthquake of a magnitude of approximately 7.5 struck Gorontalo Province off the northern coast of the island of Sulawesi) section. The overall level of the advice has not changed.
(see travel advice legal disclaimer)
Travel advice for this country
See entire profile
Travel Summary
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We advise against all but essential travel to Central Sulawesi Province and Maluku Province, especially Ambon, where the political situation is unsettled. You should also exercise caution when travelling to Aceh and Papua. You should be alert to the potential for politically motivated violence and avoid large crowds, political gatherings and demonstrations. See the Local Travel section of this advice for more details.
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There remains a high threat from terrorism in Indonesia. We believe that terrorists continue to plan attacks, which could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. The most recent attacks were in Papua on 11 and 14 September. Terrorist attacks in Bali in October 2005 and October 2002 killed and injured a number of British nationals. You should take sensible precautions for your personal safety and avoid large crowds, political gatherings and demonstrations. See the Terrorism section of this advice for more details of previous attacks and precautions that you should take.
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On 9 November 2008, the Attorney General’s Office announced that the three men sentenced to death for their part in the October 2002 terrorist attacks in Bali had been executed. The executions could prompt strong reactions from their supporters, including violent demonstrations which could escalate without notice. Retaliatory attacks against Indonesian government or foreign targets are possible. See the Political situation section of this advice for more details.
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All airlines from Indonesia have been refused permission to operate services to the EU because Indonesia is unable to ensure that its airlines meet international safety standards. It is recommended that you avoid flying with any airline from Indonesia if an acceptable alternative means of travel exists. See the Air Travel section of this advice for more details.
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Indonesia sits along a volatile seismic strip called the 'Ring of Fire' and volcanic eruptions, earthquakes occur regularly and tsunamis are possible. See the Natural Disasters section of this advice for more details.
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Outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Indonesia have led to over 100 reported human fatalities. The last fatality was in 2008. See the Health (Avian Influenza) section of this advice and also
Avian and Pandemic Influenza
for more details.
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Around 150,000 British tourists/nationals visit Indonesia every year (Source: Office for National Statistics (ONS)). 2,294 British nationals required consular assistance in Indonesia in the period 01 April 2006 – 31 March -2007. The main types of incident for which they required consular assistance were for replacing lost or stolen passports (44 cases); dealing with deaths (2 cases); and hospitalisations (25 cases); and dealing with arrests, for a variety of reasons (18 cases). Penalties for illegal drug importation and use are severe and can include the death penalty.
- We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.
Safety and security
Terrorism
There remains a high threat from terrorism in Indonesia. We believe that terrorists continue to plan attacks, which could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
On Thursday 11 September 2008, two small explosive devices were detonated on the road from Timika to Tembagapura, near to the PT Freeport mining complex in Papua. A third device reportedly failed to detonate. On Sunday 14 September 2008, another device exploded close to Moses Kilangin International Airport. The explosions are being investigated by the Indonesian National Police. No injuries were reported as a result of either incident.
Terrorists have shown that they have the means and motivation to carry out successful attacks in Indonesia. The suicide attacks on 1 October 2005, in Bali, which killed 20 people and injured a further 90, underscore the ongoing terrorist threat in Indonesia. The extremist group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), which has links to Al-Qa’ida is thought to have been responsible for this attack, as well as 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. Venues known to be frequented by foreign visitors and expatriates, including beach resorts, bars and restaurants, are potentially attractive targets for such groups.
There remains a high threat from terrorism in Indonesia. We believe that terrorists continue to plan attacks, which could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
On Thursday 11 September 2008, two small explosive devices were detonated on the road from Timika to Tembagapura, near to the PT Freeport mining complex in Papua. A third device reportedly failed to detonate. On Sunday 14 September 2008, another device exploded close to Moses Kilangin International Airport. The explosions are being investigated by the Indonesian National Police. No injuries were reported as a result of either incident.
Terrorists have shown that they have the means and motivation to carry out successful attacks in Indonesia. The suicide attacks on 1 October 2005, in Bali, which killed 20 people and injured a further 90, underscore the ongoing terrorist threat in Indonesia. The extremist group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), which has links to Al-Qa’ida is thought to have been responsible for this attack, as well as 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. Venues known to be frequented by foreign visitors and expatriates, including beach resorts, bars and restaurants, are potentially attractive targets for such groups.
If you are visiting, or are resident in Indonesia, you should exercise caution at all times. We strongly 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:
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.
- 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.
- For longer journeys it is a sensible precaution to notify friends of travel plans, contact them on arrival and where possible travel in convoy.
- 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. Ensure your passport and wallet and other valuables are secure at all times.
For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.
Political Situation
Developments in Iraq and on the Middle East Peace Process do affect Indonesia. You should follow news reports and be alert to developments, which might trigger public disturbances.
On 9 November, the Attorney General's Office announced that the three men sentenced to death for their part in the October 2002 terrorist attacks in Bali had been executed. The executions could prompt strong reactions from their supporters, including violent demonstrations which could escalate without notice. Retaliatory attacks against Indonesian government or foreign targets are possible. As elsewhere in Indonesia 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.
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 against all but essential travel to Central Sulawesi Province because of the unsettled political situation. You should be alert to the potential for politically motivated violence. Sectarian violence broke out in 1999 and although an agreement was signed in December 2001, which brought an end to large-scale violence the area remains tense and there continues to be intermittent violence and sporadic sectarian clashes in this area.
Tension increased in January 2007, after the Indonesian National Police conducted security operations in order to capture terrorists suspected of being responsible for a number of terrorist attacks in the region. Police have discovered explosive and arms caches in the area around Poso in the last year.
Maluku Province
We advise against all but essential travel to Maluku Province, especially Ambon, which was the scene of serious civil unrest between 1999 and 2002. The region has continued to experience violence which can unexpectedly increase in intensity. Violence resulting from civil unrest in Ambon has resulted in a number of deaths and serious injuries. The situation in Maluku remains unsettled.
Aceh
We advise against all but essential travel to Maluku Province, especially Ambon, which was the scene of serious civil unrest between 1999 and 2002. The region has continued to experience violence which can unexpectedly increase in intensity. Violence resulting from civil unrest in Ambon has resulted in a number of deaths and serious injuries. The situation in Maluku remains unsettled.
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.
In April 2007, there were security threats made against Non Governmental Organisations. 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 continue to receive 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.
All agencies and donors working in Aceh must register with the Indonesian Government`s BRR office in Banda Aceh. 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 well advanced but the communications infrastructure, roads, medical care and accommodation facilities for visitors in the western and northern coasts of Sumatra and outlying islands are not yet fully restored.
Papua and West Papua
We advise you to exercise caution when travelling to Papua, and to seek local advice on your travel plans. Political tensions in Papua, including the Provinces of Papua and West Papua (formerly known as Irian Jaya Barat), have given rise to sporadic violence. Demonstrations can turn violent and should be avoided. If you are visiting Papua, you should exercise caution. You should avoid large crowds and demonstrations, as elsewhere in Indonesia.
On Thursday 11 September 2008, two small explosive devices weredetonated on the road from Timika to Tembagapura, near to the PTFreeport mining complex in Papua. A third device reportedly failed todetonate. On Sunday 14 September 2008, another device exploded closeto Moses Kilangin International Airport. The explosions are beinginvestigated by the Indonesian National Police. No injuries were reported as a result of either incident.
Papuan separatists have kidnapped foreigners in the past. There remains a small but significant risk.
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.
If you plan to hire a car, you should note that traffic discipline is poor and city streets are congested. There is considerable advantage in hiring a car with a driver, which is not especially expensive. If you break down or have a minor accident you should stay with your vehicle with the car doors locked until the police arrive.
Reports suggest that motorcyclists are more likely to be involved in road accidents.
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.
If you plan to hire a car, you should note that traffic discipline is poor and city streets are congested. There is considerable advantage in hiring a car with a driver, which is not especially expensive. If you break down or have a minor accident you should stay with your vehicle with the car doors locked until the police arrive.
Reports suggest that motorcyclists are more likely to be involved in road accidents.
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.
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.
All airlines from Indonesia have been refused permission to operate services to the EU because Indonesia is unable to ensure that its airlines meet international safety standards. It is recommended that you avoid flying with any airline from Indonesia if an acceptable alternative means of travel exists. 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 shoudl consult your travel agent. The FCO has explained the concerns about Indonesian airlines to its staff and advised them to avoid Indonesian airline if an acceptable alternative means of travel exists.
A list of carriers banned from the EU can be found at the following link: http://europa.eu.int/comm/transport/air/safety/flywell_en.htm
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 100,000 Rupiah if departing through Jakarta International Airport, or Rupiah 150,000 if departing 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 18 October 2007 a passenger ferry capsized off the island of Sulawesi, reportedly killing over 20 people.
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 18 October 2007 a passenger ferry capsized off the island of Sulawesi, reportedly killing over 20 people.
For more general information see River and Sea Safety
Local laws and customs
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. For more general information see Travelling During Ramadan.
You should be aware of offending Muslim 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 are empowered to compel an individual to take a urine or blood test where they have reasonable suspicion that drugs have been taken, even where no actual illegal substances have been found on the person. Drug use or even the possession of 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.
For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.
Entry requirements
Visas
Visas are required for UK nationals entering Indonesia, a tourist visa can be obtained on arrival for a specific short period. You are advised to consult the Indonesian Embassy in London [opens a new website].
Visas are required for UK nationals entering Indonesia, a tourist visa can be obtained on arrival for a specific short period. You are advised to consult the Indonesian Embassy in London [opens a new website].
Passport validity
You should ensure that your passport is valid for a minimum period of six months upon arrival. Entry to Indonesia may 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.
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 is paid.
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.
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 [opens a new website] in London for further information.
Health
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.
Malaria, chikungunya and dengue are common to much of Indonesia, the latter particularly during the rainy season (December to April) when incidences increase considerably. Since the beginning of 2007 reports have indicated a significant increase in the number of dengue cases. The authorities are taking measures to combat the disease.
Polio and anthrax is common to parts of Indonesia. The Indonesian authorities have reported outbreaks of polio across Java, including Jakarta, and Sumatra, including Aceh province, and have instituted local vaccination.
Poor sanitation and eating contaminated food can increase the risk of cholera, typhoid and other diseases. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. Hygiene standards in restaurants vary. Beware of food from streetside vendors, which might be contaminated. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Indonesia you should seek immediate medical attention.
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.
In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 270,000 adults aged 15 or over in Indonesia were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.2% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
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 Heath Network and Centre NaTHNaC [opens a new website] and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel [opens a new website] or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
Malaria, chikungunya and dengue are common to much of Indonesia, the latter particularly during the rainy season (December to April) when incidences increase considerably. Since the beginning of 2007 reports have indicated a significant increase in the number of dengue cases. The authorities are taking measures to combat the disease.
Polio and anthrax is common to parts of Indonesia. The Indonesian authorities have reported outbreaks of polio across Java, including Jakarta, and Sumatra, including Aceh province, and have instituted local vaccination.
Poor sanitation and eating contaminated food can increase the risk of cholera, typhoid and other diseases. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. Hygiene standards in restaurants vary. Beware of food from streetside vendors, which might be contaminated. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Indonesia you should seek immediate medical attention.
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.
In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 270,000 adults aged 15 or over in Indonesia were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.2% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
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 Heath Network and Centre NaTHNaC [opens a new website] and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel [opens a new website] or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
For more general health information see Travel Health.
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
There have been outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in poultry and a small number of pig farms in Indonesia. Infected birds have been found in 31 of Indonesia's 33 provinces. Indonesia has more confirmed cases of human fatalities than any other country with over 100 reported fatalities. These fatalities are believed to have arisen through close contact with infected poultry. 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.
Since the end of 2003, a number of human deaths have also occurred in Azerbaijan, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Iraq, Laos, Nigeria, Pakistan, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam.
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 take personal responsibility for their own safety in the event of a future pandemic, including considering their access to adequate healthcare and ensuring travel documents are up to date.
There have been outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in poultry and a small number of pig farms in Indonesia. Infected birds have been found in 31 of Indonesia's 33 provinces. Indonesia has more confirmed cases of human fatalities than any other country with over 100 reported fatalities. These fatalities are believed to have arisen through close contact with infected poultry. 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.
Since the end of 2003, a number of human deaths have also occurred in Azerbaijan, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Iraq, Laos, Nigeria, Pakistan, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam.
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 take personal responsibility for their own safety in the event of a future pandemic, including considering their access to adequate healthcare and ensuring travel documents are up to date.
You should read this advice in conjunction with Avian and Pandemic Influenza, which gives more detailed advice and information.
Natural Disasters
Natural Disasters
Indonesia sits along a volatile seismic strip called the 'Ring of Fire' in the Pacific. Volcanic eruptions, 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 40,000kms long and is associated with a nearly continuous series of oceanic trenches, island arcs, and volcanic mountain ranges and/or plate movements.
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.
Earthquakes
On 16 November 2008 an earthquake of a magnitude of approximately 7.5 struck Gorontalo Province off the northern coast of the island of Sulawesi. Early reports indicate that up to four people died and that damage was caused to a number of buildings.
On 12 September 2007 a magnitude 7.9 earthquake affected Southern Sumatra in Indonesia, reportedly killing over 20 people.The 26 December 2004 earthquake and tsunami caused massive devastation to coastal areas in Aceh and parts of North Sumatra.
Floods
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. Landslides occur in rural areas during the wet season. In December 2007, landslides in Central Java killed over 80 people.
Volcanoes
There are numerous volcanoes in Indonesia, any of which can erupt without warning. Since April 2008, Mount Soputan in North Sulawesi, Mount Egon on Flores island, Nusa Tengarra, Mount Ibu in North Maluku and Anak Krakatao in the Sunda Strait have shown significant increased volcanic activity. You are advised to 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.
On 14 July 2007 poisonous fumes from Salak Volcano, just south of Jakarta killed six school children who were camping on the Volcano.
For further information, you should visit the Indonesian Centre for Vulcanology's website [opens a new website].
General
Insurance
We strongly recommend that you obtain 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. For more information see Travel Insurance.
If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is how we can help.
Registering with the British Embassy
It is important that all resident British nationals register with the Embassy either through the Embassy's web site, by fax or by mail. Please inform the Embassy if you are leaving Indonesia for more than ten days. It is also very important that you notify the Embassy of your return. You may register with our LOCATE service 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. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here [opens a new website].
Travel advice for this country
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contacts
British Consulate General, Jakarta, Indonesia
Address:
Deutsche Bank Building, 19th Floor
80 Jalan Imam Bonjol
Jakarta 10310
Telephone:
(62) (21) 3190 1314 (Consular Section)
Fax:
(62) (21) 316 0858
Email: Consulate.Jakarta@fco.gov.uk (Consular)
Email: Visa.Jakarta@fco.gov.uk
Office hours:
GMT: Mon-Thurs 0045 - 0900 & Fri 0045 - 0545
Local: Mon-Thurs 0745 - 1600 & Fri 0745 - 1245
