The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Indonesia at Level 2, indicating travelers should exercise increased caution due to terrorism and natural disasters. Reconsider travel to Central Sulawesi and Papua provinces due to civil unrest.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

The U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. U.S. Consulate General Surabaya cannot recommend a particular individual or establishment and assumes no responsibility for the quality of services provided.

Review OSAC’s Indonesia page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

U.S. Consulate General Surabaya serves a Consular District consisting of 12 provinces: East Java; Bali; West and East Nusa Tenggara; North Maluku and Maluku; and the provinces of North, Central, West, South and Southeast Sulawesi, which together with Gorontalo make up the island of Sulawesi.

Crime Threats

There is considerable risk from crime in Surabaya. Crime threats and patterns vary across the consular district, which includes both crowded urban environments and remote, sparsely populated areas. Although serious crime incidents have occurred, violent crimes involving U.S. citizens are relatively uncommon. In many cases, good personal security and situational awareness practices can mitigate the crime threat.

Motorcycle and moped theft is among the most commonly reported crime in Surabaya. Strong-arm robbery and mugging is rare. Drive-by purse snatching, usually by two perpetrators on a motorbike, occur in Surabaya and Bali. In Lombok, foreign visitors (including U.S. citizens) have been the victims of armed robbery in rural areas. 

Foreign visitors have been the victims of aggravated assaults. Many criminal incidents reported to the consulate involve nightclubs in the areas of Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak in Bali. Disputes at nightclubs have escalated to physical assault, sometimes resulting in serious injury. Patrons leaving nightclubs have been the victims of opportunistic violent crime, including sexual assault. Practice good personal security, travel with friends if possible, and avoid situations where you may become vulnerable to criminal exploitation or victimization.

Foreign visitors have been the victims of serious sexual assault in Indonesia, including in Bali. Victims should seek immediate medical assistance. Female U.S. citizens have reported sexual assault in the form of groping attacks by strangers in locations across Indonesia, including East Java Province. Many of these incidents occurred along roads, with perpetrators on foot or on motorbikes; a few of the attacks resulted in injury. Foreign visitors, especially females, should exercise caution when running or jogging in public or along roads, and carefully evaluate the safety and security of the surrounding environment. Authorities and medical personnel may be inexperienced in providing appropriate support to western standards. 

Pickpocketing and other opportunistic thefts commonly occur in crowded areas, including bus train stations, markets, shopping malls, busy sidewalks, and pedestrian bridges. Many opportunistic thefts occur on public transportation, especially buses. Do not leave luggage or personal items unattended in public or while traveling on public transportation. To avoid opportunistic smash and grab theft, do not leave unattended valuables in parked cars.

Drink spiking and poisoning incidents are a concern, especially in tourist areas. Foreign tourists and Indonesians have reportedly suffered methanol poisoning from adulterated or homemade spirits leading to serious illness and, in some cases, death. If you or someone you are traveling with exhibits signs of methanol poisoning, seek immediate medical attention. There have been reports of foreigners targeted by drink-spiking incidents in clubs and nightspots in order to facilitate crimes including robbery and sexual assault. For more information, review OSAC’s report, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad.

Credit and debit card fraud is a serious problem in Indonesia. Prior to arrival, notify your credit card company about your travel. Use discretion in where and how you use credit cards; consider using cash for smaller transactions or outside major hotels, high-end restaurants, and well-known businesses and retail establishments. Safeguard credit and debit card numbers. Avoid using credit cards for online transactions at Internet cafes and similar public venues. Monitor your credit card activity, and immediately report any unauthorized use to your bank. Criminals have skimmed and cloned ATM cards, and then used the stolen account information to drain bank accounts. If you use an ATM, choose one located in a secure location (e.g. a bank) and check the machine for evidence of tampering. Be cautious when using unfamiliar ATMs, and monitor your account statements closely. Skimming operations by transnational criminal gangs have occurred in Bali, Surabaya, and elsewhere.

±Organized crime groups are involved in illegal logging and fishing, human trafficking, wildlife trafficking and sale of illicit and counterfeit drugs, and other criminal activity. Systemic corruption often impedes effective law enforcement and prosecution of individuals accused of such crimes. 

Indonesian National Police (POLRI) and drug investigators from the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) maintained aggressive rhetoric against drug criminals and continued intensive targeting in 2018. Authorities reported seizing significantly more illegal drugs in 2018 than 2017; media reports stated that authorities killed 47 suspected drug dealers or smugglers during 2018 raids after they either resisted arrest or tried to escape custody. This has raised concern by some human rights groups, although the figure reflects a decline from the 79 killed in 2017.

Employ a guard at your residence, if possible. Keep windows and doors locked. Invest in a residential alarm system. Rent houses with window grilles and substantial doors. Train household staff to be aware of security issues; household staff should not allow anyone in without your permission.

Crime reports increase before the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. This is reportedly due, in part, to the pressure of providing gifts for family members and obtaining money for the Idul Fitri holiday, which most Indonesians celebrate.

Cybersecurity Issues

Internet fraud is on the rise as use of the Internet continues to grow in Indonesia. Hoax news stories are an increasing problem throughout Indonesia; the growing popularity and widespread use of social media platforms compounds the problem. In 2018, the President elevated the rank of the Head of National Cyber and Cryptography Agency (Badan Siber dan Sandi Negara, BSSN) to Minister-level, though it remains unclear whether BSSN will focus on hoax news, or only on more traditional cybersecurity issues.

Areas of Concern

As of January 2019, the U.S. Embassy travel restriction for U.S. government personnel in Central Sulawesi and Papua provinces continues. Reconsider travel to these areas because of the possibility of terrorist attacks and civil unrest.

Sumbawa in West Nusa Tenggara province continues to experience issues with a violent, anti-government Islamic extremist movement centered in the areas of Bima and Dompu. Evaluate local conditions carefully and review security information prior to travel.

Transportation-Safety Situation

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Traffic flows on the left side of the road. Road conditions vary from good to dangerously poor. Visitors may find traffic conditions extremely difficult due to massive congestion, undisciplined drivers, and the sheer number of motorcycles and mopeds. The number of vehicles, estimated to increase by 10% per year, far exceeds the capacity of roadway infrastructure. Road safety awareness is very low; many drivers, especially those on motorcycles/mopeds, disregard most traffic laws. Accidents on rented motorcycles constitute the majority of expatriate deaths in Indonesia, especially on Bali. 

Toll roads are modern, multi-lane, and in good condition, but usually over-crowded. Most roads outside of the major cities are single-lane and overly congested with a variety of vehicles (from 18-wheel trucks to mopeds). It is common for vehicles to pass on either side of the road or on the shoulder, while driving at a high rate of speed and swerving to avoid colliding with bicycles or horse/ox carts. Avoid driving at night outside of major cities.

Because of the unique and dangerous driving conditions, the majority of Embassy employees, Western expatriates, and affluent Indonesians hire personal drivers. Rental car companies offer drivers; strongly consider hiring personal drivers from a reputable company. Especially in rural/remote areas, perform due diligence to confirm that travel agencies, tour companies, and rental drivers are legitimate. Serious vehicle accidents have injured U.S. citizen passengers who had contracted with unverified tour companies. The risk of accidents compounds in some of the most scenic parts of Indonesia because of their remoteness and the unlikelihood of obtaining medical care quickly.

If an accident involving personal injury occurs, Indonesian law requires both drivers to wait for the arrival of the police. Although Indonesian law requires third-party insurance, most drivers are uninsured. Even if they are insured, it is common for insurance companies to refuse to pay damages. Authorities regularly hold the driver of the larger vehicle liable in an accident.

Public Transportation Conditions

Avoid urban mass transit platforms (e.g. buses, trains) when possible. Inter-city rail service is generally reliable and safe, although service and conditions may vary from standards in developed countries.

Use reputable registered taxi companies like the Bluebird Group (including Blue Bird Taxi and Golden Bird car service), which vet their drivers and have been responsive to Consulate inquiries and requests. Make sure cab drivers use their meters, and make note of cab numbers and driver information. If using a car service not equipped with a meter, be sure to agree on the price prior to entering the car. Never enter a taxi that has other passengers in it. Never allow your taxi to stop to pick up additional passengers.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

A number of airlines provide service to Surabaya Juanda International Airport (SUB) ranging from international carriers to discount regional providers. Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar, Bali, is a major hub with significant international, regional, and domestic service. Smaller regional airports also have air service. Depending on the routes, delays or sudden flight cancelations are not uncommon. As an island nation that relies heavily on air transport and with varying conditions depending on the location, Indonesia has experienced frequent transportation accidents, including plane crashes. However, in 2016, Indonesia received a Category 1 rating from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, indicating compliance by the country’s civil aviation authority with International Civil Aviation Office (ICAO) standards.

Other Travel Conditions

In 2018, serious accidents involving inter-island ferries across Indonesia continued, often resulting in injuries and deaths. Often, overcrowding is common, regulation lax, safety equipment missing, and adherence to safety standards minimal.

Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns

There is considerable risk from terrorism in Surabaya. A coalition of Islamist groups with roots in the radical, anti-colonialist Darul Islam movement of the 1940s founded the transnational terrorist organization Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) in 1993. Indonesian JI members trained at al-Qa’ida bases in Afghanistan and Pakistan in the 1980s and 1990s, then went on to carry out a series of significant terrorist attacks in Indonesia including the 2002 Bali bombing. In 2008, Abu Bakar Bashir, one of the founding members of JI, formed splinter group Jamaah Ansharut Tauhid (JAT). 

The terrorist group Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) formed in 2015 from a coalition of extremist groups that pledged allegiance to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. The U.S. Department of State designated JAD a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in 2017.

Many of the original wave of JI operatives have died or are imprisoned, but JI, JAT, JAD, other pro-ISIS terrorist groups and sympathetic “lone wolf” individuals inspired or recruited by online contact with extremists continue to aspire to commit attacks in the country, especially against Indonesian police and security forces, Indonesian government facilities, and Western interests.

From May 8 -10, 2018 terrorist prisoners linked to JAD killed five police officers during a riot and subsequent hostage standoff at a police pre-trial detention facility just south of Jakarta. In response to this incident and another terror attack the next week (see below), Indonesian lawmakers on May 25, 2018 passed an amended counterterrorism law targeting foreign terrorist fighters by criminalizing extraterritorial fighting, preparatory acts, and material support for terrorism. The law extends the detention period for police to gather evidence and build a case, and gives the Indonesian military (TNI) a role in domestic counterterrorism operations, although exactly what role remains unclear.

On July 24, 2018, the South Jakarta District Court used the new law to indict JAD as a terrorist organization, officially banning it on July 31. Police and prosecutors can now arrest and try extremists for any links with, or support to, JAD. Police arrested more than 375 terrorist suspects and convicted approximately 150 in 2018. Corrections officials took steps to improve terrorist prisoner management in 2018, but the law will create more pressure on already overcrowded prisons due to a likely increase in arrests and convictions.

Throughout 2017 and 2018, Indonesian law enforcement and security officials aggressively pursued terrorist cells, and successfully disrupted multiple aspirational plots. Indonesia cooperated on a wide range of counterterrorism efforts with local and international partners, including the U.S. Despite these successes, violent extremist networks and terrorist cells remain intact and have the capacity to become operational and conduct attacks with little or no warning, as do lone wolf-style ISIS sympathizers. POLRI has limited resources in terms of its ability to monitor extremists, including returned foreign fighters and former convicted extremists released from prison. 

Recent terrorist-related attacks and incidents in Surabaya’s consular district include:

• Dec 31, 2018: Suspected members of the Mujahidin Indonesia Timur (MIT) terror group, active in the mountains outside Poso, Central Sulawesi beheaded a local male and shot at two police officers who went to recover the body in Salubose hamlet of Parigi Moutong district. This incident reinvigorated a joint police-military task force in Central Sulawesi that is now searching for the remaining estimated 14 MIT members.

• May 13-14, 2018:Three Indonesian families to include women and children carried out suicide bombings in Surabaya using Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The ISIS-inspired families affiliated with JAD targeted churches and a local police station. Including the bombers, 28 people died and approximately 54 people were injured.
• January 1, 2018: A pipe bomb attack against a police post in Makassar, South Sulawesi wounded two POLRI officers.
• December 21, 2017: A firebomb attack targeted a Catholic church in Central Sulawesi, resulting in minor property damage, but no casualties.
• October 30, 2017: Two terrorist suspects believed to be associated with the September 11, 2017 attack died in a shootout with police in Bima, West Nusa Tenggara province.
• September 11, 2017: Two ambush attacks in Bima, West Nusa Tenggara province each wounded a POLRI officer.
• April 10, 2017: POLRI killed six suspected JAD members after they had attempted a drive-by shooting of a police station in Tuban, East Java.

Indonesian ISIS sympathizers have also traveled to the Philippines to join the so-called ISIS-Philippines caliphate and participated in the attack on the city of Marawi in Mindanao, which started in May 2017. The Philippines continues to be a potential source of weapons and location for training for Indonesian extremists.

Bali experienced significant terrorist attacks in 2002 and 2005. The 2002 bombings at two nightclubs in the tourist area of Kuta killed 202 people, including seven U.S. citizens. Terrorist groups targeting Western interests continue to aspire to carry out attacks in Bali and other areas of Indonesia, including Lombok, that are popular tourist and holiday destinations for foreigners. Extremists have the ability to carry out small-scale violent attacks. Extremists may target official or private establishments, including hotels, bars, nightclubs, shopping malls and markets, restaurants, and places of worship. Be aware of your personal safety and security. Monitor local news reports, vary your routes/times, and maintain a low profile. Be sure to consider the security and safety preparedness of locations that you frequent.

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment

In December 2017, U.S. Consulate General Surabaya experienced a series of anti-U.S. demonstrations after the presidential proclamation on the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. U.S. foreign policy decisions in the Middle East and labor disputes involving U.S. companies in Indonesia have also sparked anti-U.S. demonstrations. There are isolated pockets of anti-Western sentiment throughout Indonesia. See Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence, below.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

Civil Unrest

There is considerable risk from civil unrest in Surabaya. Demonstrations are common throughout Indonesia, including in Surabaya. They are usually peaceful, and the police presence is generally sufficient to maintain order. However, some demonstrations have become violent, particularly when involving issues related to religion, labor, or land rights. Avoid all demonstrations; even those intended to be peaceful can become violent with little or no advance notice. Some demonstrators may target foreigners for violence because of perceived national affiliation or other factors.

In 2017, the U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya experienced a series of anti-U.S. demonstrations after the presidential proclamation of the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Between December 8 and December 22, six separate events occurred, with the largest drawing more than 5,000 demonstrators. Despite heated rhetoric and the burning of flags and tires, POLRI security support was excellent; police were able to control the overall situation and prevent any serious incidents. During this same period, student protestors targeted a McDonald’s restaurant in Surabaya and a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant in Makassar, South Sulawesi.

There has been an annual event held by the same group on or about al-Quds Day, the last Friday of Ramadan, against U.S. support for Israel.

Although no anti-U.S. protests occurred in Bali related to the Jerusalem proclamation, ethnic Papuan student groups supporting independence for Papua held several demonstrations outside the U.S. Consular Agency in Bali in 2017 and 2018. These protests usually coincide with the anniversaries of significant events in Papuan history. Bali also experiences periodic demonstrations relating to local issues, including land rights and economic issues. There is limited impact on tourists.

Surabaya experiences occasional incidents of violence and hooliganism related to soccer matches, often perpetrated by supporters of the Persebaya Surabaya soccer club, known as Bonek (from Bondo Nekat, or “reckless people”).

Religious/Ethnic Violence

Localized political violence and civil unrest due to ethnic, sectarian, religious, and separatist reasons occur across Indonesia. In Surabaya and other cities with sizeable ethnic-Chinese populations, occasional incidents and concerns relate to latent anti-Chinese sentiment, socioeconomic tensions, and the belief that Chinese nationals are entering Indonesia and taking jobs from citizens. Central Sulawesi, North Maluku and Maluku; Lombok and Sumbawa in West Nusa Tenggara Province; and West Timor in East Nusa Tenggara Province have also experienced episodic civil unrest and political violence due to ethnic, religious, and cultural reasons.

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

Indonesia is located along the "ring of fire." There are numerous active volcanoes on Java, Sumatra, the Sunda Islands (which include Bali and Lombok), Halmahera, Sulawesi, and Sangihe, in the Banda Sea, and other locations. Indonesia has deployed an effective volcano monitoring system, enabling the government to inform the population about potential eruptions and to direct evacuations to prevent casualties.

In September 2017, Mt. Agung, an active volcano in eastern Bali, entered a period of increased activity. The Indonesian Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation raised the mountain’s volcanic alert to level four (warning, the highest level) on September 22. The alert led to a large-scale of evacuation of the population living adjacent to the volcano. On November 21 and 25, Mt. Agung erupted significant amounts of volcanic ash, which led to a closure of Bali’s international airport until November 29, and significant travel disruptions. There have been a series of lesser eruptions since then, and the volcano remains at the second-highest alert level. Although major tourist destinations and population centers in southern Bali, including Kuta, Denpasar, Nusa Dua, and Ubud are well outside of the exclusion zone and projected danger areas, travelers should prepare contingency plans in the event of large eruptions that would affect arrivals or departures by air. A reduced level of tourist activity has had significant economic impact on Bali in recent months. For more information on the Mt. Agung situation, see the following OSAC reports: Indonesia: Increased Volcanic Activity in Bali; Volcanic Eruption on Bali Disrupts Aviation.

Many areas of Indonesia are vulnerable to earthquakes, tsunamis, and flooding. During the rainy season, between October and April in most parts of Indonesia, floods and mudslides affect many areas, including Bali. Every year, flooding and mudslides displaces or injures significant numbers of Indonesians, especially in rural and remote regions.

According to Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency, there were 1,134 separate natural disaster events in Indonesia in 2018.In addition to volcanic activity, tsunamis, and other natural disasters, to include flooding, landslides, and earthquakes occur in Indonesia. Nearly 300 earthquakes registered more than 5.0 on the Richter scale in 2018, according to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency. A series of earthquakes in July and August on Lombok Island killed approximately 600 and displaced half a million people, destroying or damaging an estimated 80% of the structures on the northern part of the island. In September 2018, an earthquake and subsequent soil liquefaction and tsunami in Central Sulawesi caused widespread destruction, killing more than 2,100 people and injuring 10,000 more. In December, a tsunami in the Sunda Strait caused by the eruption and partial collapse of the Anak Krakatau volcano killed approximately 450 people, injured over 14,000, and displaced approximately 34,000. For a current look at seismic issues in Indonesia, visit the website of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. The U.S. Geological Service also has information on global earthquake activity.

Economic Concerns/ Intellectual Property Thefts

Indonesia remained on the U.S. Trade Representative’s the Special 301 priority watch list for intellectual property rights (IPR) protection in 2018. Indonesia’s failure to protect intellectual property and enforce IPR laws has resulted in high levels of physical and online counterfeiting and piracy, and a lack of enforcement against dangerous counterfeit goods. U.S. rights holders also face unfair and inequitable market access in Indonesia. Positive steps included Indonesia’s support of industry-led efforts to develop an Infringing Website List to help advertising brokers and networks avoid placing ads on such websites, and Indonesia becoming party to the Madrid Protocol for the international registration of trademarks. The International Intellectual Property Alliance estimates that approximately 87% of business software is unlicensed, while retail piracy rates are likely higher.

The Indonesian government has signed and ratified the World Intellectual Property Organization Internet treaties, but further clarifications of its Copyright Law must implement these treaties.

Personal Identity Concerns

LGBTI status or conduct is not illegal. However, local authorities sometimes take legal action against, or tolerate harassment of people engaging in LGBTI relationships or openly expressing LGBTI identity. Some local governments have passed laws criminalizing LGBTI relationships. Indonesia does not recognize foreign same-sex marriages or civil unions as legally valid.

Persons with disabilities will face severe difficulties in Indonesia. Most public places and transportation facilities do not accommodate disabled people.

Drug-related Crimes

Indonesian Customs, POLRI, and BNN stationed at the air and seaports of major cities (i.e. Jakarta, Surabaya, Bali, and Medan) continue to arrest drug couriers. Indonesia has become a primary destination for drug smuggling operations controlled by Chinese, Iranian, and West African drug trafficking organizations. Authorities have arrested and prosecuted foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens, on drug related charges. 

In December 2018, BNN stated publicly that there were 76 drug cartels in Indonesia. In addition to an increase in methamphetamine seizures, law enforcement officials have identified and seized large volumes of synthetic drugs (e.g. ecstasy and ketamine) and organic and synthetic marijuana. The demand for illegal drugs remains high; POLRI and BNN continue to coordinate with other foreign and domestic law enforcement agencies in an attempt to stem the steady flow of illegal drugs. Authorities may impose the death sentence in cases involving drug trafficking; executions of multiple convicted traffickers, including foreign nationals, have occurred in recent years. Travelers carrying approved prescription medicines should carry them in a labeled prescription container with proof of prescription.

Avoid any association with illegal drugs, as well as any persons or locations associated with their use or sale.

Kidnapping Threat

Kidnappings involving the expatriate community are rare. Kidnappings that do occur are typically financially motivated, and the perpetrators are usually familiar with the victim and victim's family.

Piracy

In 2018, according to the International Maritime Bureau, 36 pirate attacks occurred in Indonesian waters, down from 43 the prior year and lower than the 49 piracy incidents in 2016 and 108 in 2015. Most piracy incidents in Indonesian waters are now reported to be opportunistic (for example, against isolated fishermen or anchored ships), as opposed to larger-scale attacks against oil tanker ships.

Police Response

The police are limited in their ability to respond quickly and efficiently to reports of crime and other emergencies due to insufficient transportation, inadequate training, and limited investigative and foreign language communication abilities. Skills are improving due to programs offered by the U.S. International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP), Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program (ATA), the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA), as well as other foreign partners. 

Corruption continues to be a problem. Police officers routinely augment meager salaries by accepting payments from motorists who violate traffic laws. Police sometimes charge victims to investigate crimes or to return recovered stolen property.

Criminal cases can take months or even years to resolve. Police may hold suspects without charges for up to 60 days, and, in many cases, longer. Conditions in Indonesian jails and prisons are harsh and do not meet western standards. Penalties for the possession, use, or trafficking illegal drugs in Indonesia are severe, including the death penalty. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines. The sex industry, including the commercial exploitation of children, is widespread and is a key focus of law enforcement efforts. Engaging in sexual conduct with a minor, or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country, including Indonesia, may constitute a crime prosecutable in the U.S.

How to Handle Incidents of Police Detention or Harassment

U.S. citizens arrested or detained in Surabaya’s consular district should call the consulate at +62-31-297-5300 ext. 0 and ask for the American Citizen Services Unit. If the incident occurs after hours, ask for the Duty Officer (the direct emergency after-hours telephone number for the Duty Officer is +62-811-334-183). Remain calm and consider the advice, assistance, and information provided by the Consular Officer or Duty Officer. Consular Officers are often able to visit detainees or arrestees expeditiously during business hours.

Crime Victim Assistance

Emergency telephone number: 112

Police: 110

Fire: 113

Ambulance: 118

These numbers are often busy, and the operators are likely to have limited English-language abilities. It is often more effective to request help in person from Indonesian authorities rather than wait for emergency services to respond. Indonesian emergency services, when available, are often rudimentary at best.

There are also local, direct emergency numbers in each district. Visitors, especially those staying for an extended period, should identify the cellular and landline numbers for the nearest police stations, and program them into their phone.

Police/Security Agencies

The Indonesian National Police (Kepolisian Negara Republik Indonesia, POLRI) is the national police force and handles day-to-day traffic operations, criminal investigations, and protection of vital property and personnel.

The National Narcotics Board (Badan Narkotika Nasional, BNN) deals with nationwide narcotics issues under the direction of a two-star police general. BNN is Indonesia’s equivalent to the Drug Enforcement Administration in the U.S.

The National Counter-Terrorism Agency (Badan Nasional Penanggulangan Terorisme, BNPT) is the national counter-terrorism agency under the Coordinating Ministry for Legal and Security Affairs. BNPT coordinates interagency efforts to eradicate terrorism. BNPT works closely with the POLRI’s Special Detachment 88 (DET-88) in its counterterrorism efforts.

Medical Emergencies

Mission employees and private U.S. citizens typically travel to Singapore for treatment of serious medical conditions.

Do not count on ambulances to transport injured persons to hospitals; services are at best unreliable and mostly unavailable. Use taxis or private vehicles to transport patients to hospitals.

Contact information for available medical services throughout the country is available on the U.S. Embassy website.

Available Air Ambulance Services

For air ambulance service, contact SOS International.

Insurance Guidance

All travelers should have travel and medical evacuation (medevac) insurance. Air ambulance evacuations are expensive, and can exceed $50,000.

CDC Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance

CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Indonesia.

OSAC Country Council Information

There is an active OSAC Country Council in Jakarta. Contact OSAC’s Asia Pacific team for more information.

U.S. Consulate General Location and Contact Information

U.S. Consulate General Surabaya: J1. Citra Raya Niaga No. 2, Surabaya 60217

Telephone: (+62) 31-297-5300

Emergency After-Hours Telephone: (+62) 811-334-183

Fax:  (+62) 31-567-4492

Routine consular services in Surabaya are available Monday-Friday, 0730–1600, by appointment only. The consulate closes on weekends and on Indonesian and U.S. holidays.

Website:  https://id.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/surabaya

Email:  SurabayaACS@state.gov  (monitored during business hours only)

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/uscongensby/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/USConGenSby

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/uscongensby/

Consulate Guidance

Prior to travel, register with the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and review the latest security information at travel.State.gov and on the Embassy’s Alerts page.

Nearby Posts: Embassy Jakarta, Consular Agency Bali, Consulate Medan

Consular Agency Bali is able to offer limited American Citizen Services regarding passports, reports of birth abroad, and notaries, along with guidance during citizen emergencies. These services are offered Monday-Friday, 0900–1200, and 130 –1530. The Consular Agency closes on weekends and Indonesian and U.S. holidays.

Jl. Hayan Wuruk 310, Denpasar, Bali 80235

Telephone:  (+62) 361-233-605

Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  (+62)-811 334-183

Fax:  (+62) 361-222-426

Email: CABali@state.gov

Additional Resource: Indonesia Country Information Sheet