Is Indonesia Safe to Travel to in 2026?
Risk level: Elevated risk
Last updated
Overview
Massive and extremely diverse archipelago nation with incredible natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and a wide range of experiences. Indonesia is the world's largest Muslim country and offers everything from world-class beaches and diving in Bali to dramatic volcanoes, jungles, and ancient temples. The country has become a major tourist destination in recent years, particularly in Bali, Java, and parts of the Gili Islands. However, it is still a developing nation with significant challenges including chaotic traffic, high petty crime, widespread scams, poor infrastructure in many areas, and natural disaster risks. Safety and services vary enormously between regions.
Best time to visit
Dry season roughly April to October in much of the country (including Bali); wet season is roughly November to March. Equatorial areas can be wet year-round.
Safety
Violent crime against tourists is low in popular places. Petty theft, bag snatching, and scams are very common, especially in cities and tourist spots. Traffic is chaotic and deadly. Natural disasters are a real risk. Papua and parts of Sulawesi have security issues. Most of the country feels fine if you stick to normal tourist routes, but the difference between tourist bubbles and the rest of the country is extreme. Police can be unhelpful or corrupt in minor incidents.
Recommendations
Stick to well-known tourist routes in Bali, Java, and the Gili Islands unless you have a good reason to go elsewhere. Use Grab or official taxis rather than random drivers. Be careful with street food and tap water. Dress modestly outside Bali. Earthquakes and volcanoes are a real risk, so know what to do if one hits. In remote areas medical care can be bad or far away. Have comprehensive travel insurance with good medical evacuation coverage.
Health and tap water
Tap water: Not recommended — use bottled or filtered water.
Stomach problems from food and water are common. Malaria and dengue exist in many areas. Tap water is not safe - use bottled. Decent hospitals exist in Bali and Jakarta but not much elsewhere. Get insurance that covers evacuation if you go off the main path.
Entry and exit
Most people get visa on arrival or an e-visa. Check the latest rules before you go because they change. Your country may be visa-free for short stays. Indonesia is accessible by air and sea from neighboring countries.
Laws
Drug laws are harsh. Even small amounts can get you in serious trouble. Blasphemy laws exist. Public affection and certain clothing can cause problems in conservative areas. Aceh is the strictest on alcohol and behavior. Corruption is common in daily interactions with officials.
Other notes
The country is very diverse. Bali is relaxed and touristy. Most other places are more conservative. Big cities can feel crowded and overwhelming. Infrastructure is decent in tourist zones but poor in many other places. Food is excellent and spicy with strong regional variations. The people are generally hospitable but hustling is constant. Indonesia offers incredible natural beauty and cultural experiences. Summers are hot and humid, while the rainy season can make travel difficult. English is spoken in tourist areas but drops off quickly elsewhere.
Emergency numbers: Police 110, Ambulance 118, Fire 113.
Regional risk notes for Indonesia
- Aceh — Elevated risk: Very conservative Islamic rules. Alcohol restricted. Stricter social norms than most of Indonesia.
- Bali — Low-Moderate risk: Best tourist area in the country. Still has petty theft, scams and dangerous traffic. Safer than most of Indonesia but below US/Australia/European standards.
- Bangka-Belitung — Elevated risk: Quiet but limited tourism and infrastructure. Not at the level of developed countries.
- Banten — Moderate risk: Close to Jakarta. Some rough areas and typical big-city problems.
- Bengkulu — Elevated risk: Low tourism. Poor infrastructure and limited services.
- Gorontalo — Elevated risk: Very quiet and underdeveloped. Limited tourist facilities.
- Jakarta Raya — Moderate risk: Big developing city. Higher petty crime, chaotic traffic and occasional protests.
- Jambi — Elevated risk: Limited tourism. Basic infrastructure in most areas.
- Jawa Barat — Moderate risk: Bandung is popular but has crime and traffic issues.
- Jawa Tengah — Moderate risk: Yogyakarta area is the best part. Still below US/Australia safety and consistency.
- Jawa Timur — Moderate risk: Surabaya and Malang are okay but overall lower standard than developed countries.
- Kalimantan Barat — Elevated risk: Remote with limited infrastructure and some land conflict issues.
- Kalimantan Selatan — Elevated risk: Some tourism but mixed safety and weak infrastructure.
- Kalimantan Tengah — Elevated risk: Very remote. Low tourism and basic services.
- Kalimantan Timur — Moderate risk: Developing due to new capital but still has typical third-world infrastructure gaps.
- Kepulauan Riau — Moderate risk: Batam and Bintan have tourism but still below developed country safety levels.
- Lampung — Elevated risk: Gateway area with typical crime and infrastructure problems.
- Maluku — Elevated risk: Limited infrastructure and services. Low tourism.
- Maluku Utara — Elevated risk: Quiet but underdeveloped with limited facilities.
- North Kalimantan — Elevated risk: Very remote. Limited tourism and services.
- Nusa Tenggara Barat — Moderate risk: Lombok has tourism but still has scam and infrastructure issues.
- Nusa Tenggara Timur — Moderate risk: Flores and Komodo are decent for tourism but infrastructure is limited.
- Papua — High risk: Ongoing security and separatist issues. Avoid non-essential travel.
- Papua Barat — High risk: Security issues. Avoid non-essential travel.
- Riau — Elevated risk: Some areas have higher crime and limited tourist infrastructure.
- Sulawesi Barat — Elevated risk: Remote with limited services.
- Sulawesi Selatan — Moderate risk: Makassar is the best part. Still has crime and infrastructure problems.
- Sulawesi Tengah — Elevated risk: Some security concerns in parts. Limited infrastructure.
- Sulawesi Tenggara — Moderate risk: Limited tourism and basic infrastructure.
- Sulawesi Utara — Moderate risk: Manado area is popular with divers but still below developed country standards.
- Sumatera Barat — Moderate risk: Padang and Bukittinggi are the better spots but overall lower safety than US/Australia/Europe.
- Sumatera Selatan — Moderate risk: Mixed safety with crime and infrastructure issues in many areas.
- Sumatera Utara — Moderate risk: Medan has more crime and scams. Lake Toba is calmer but still not developed-country level.
- Yogyakarta — Low-Moderate risk: One of the better and more tourist-friendly areas. Still has petty crime and traffic issues.
Independent assessment — not a government advisory. Feedback: [email protected]