Published: October 31, 2025
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Indonesia Travel Advisory and Indonesia International Travel Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy Jakarta
Medan Merdeka Selatan 3-5, Jakarta 10110
Tel: +62(21) 5083-1000
U.S. Consulate General Surabaya
Citra Raya Niaga No. 2, Surabaya 60217
Tel: +62(31) 297-5300
U.S. Consulate Medan
Jl. Let. Jend. MT. Haryono A-1, Medan 20212
Tel: +62(61) 451-9000
U.S. Consular Agency Bali
Jl. Hayam Wuruk 310, Denpasar 80235
Tel: +62 361-233-605
OSAC Country Chapter(s)
There are active OSAC chapters in Jakarta and Surabaya-Bali.
Contact OSAC’s Asia team with any questions.
Indonesia Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise increased caution in Indonesia due terrorism and natural disasters. Do not travel to the provinces of Central Papua (Papua Tengah) and Highland Papua (Papua Pegunungan) due to civil unrest.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Jakarta and Surabaya as being HIGH-threat locations for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Indonesia. The crime emergency line in Indonesia is 112.
Crime: General Threat
In the last year several American citizens were victims of violent and serious crimes in Indonesia, particularly in Bali. As with any major tourist destination, U.S. citizens traveling in Indonesia are especially encouraged to always remain vigilant of their surroundings and read the following advisories carefully. Take sensible measures to protect yourself and your belongings. Closely monitor bags and luggage and carry only essential items. Take particular care of your passport and bank cards and avoid traveling alone.
Pickpocketing, sexual assault, vehicle theft, motorcycle/scooter-jacking, snatch and grab robberies of cell phones and purses, and residential break-ins are common. Crimes committed with weapons typically involve bladed weapons as opposed to firearms. Avoid traveling to isolated areas late at night. Be aware of your surroundings, particularly vehicles or individuals that might be following you.
Credit card fraud is a common problem in Indonesia. Criminals have “skimmed” credit/debit cards to access and drain bank accounts. Use an ATM in a secure location, such as a major bank branch, and check the machine for evidence of tampering. Monitor your account statements regularly.
Tourists and Indonesians have suffered from serious illness and have even died from "drink-spiking” and drink poisoning incidents, particularly in clubs and nightspots in urban and tourist areas.
In many cases, travelers can mitigate the crime threat by good personal security and situational awareness practices. Crime risks and patterns vary across the country, which includes both crowded urban environments and remote, sparsely populated areas.
Data from 2023 shows a steady level of petty crime in Surabaya, including street theft, motorbike-related crimes, and burglaries, particularly in high-density urban neighborhoods. Shopping areas and transport hubs continue to be hotspots for such activities.
Makassar has experienced an uptick in urban crime, including motorbike thefts and street robberies. 2023 crime statistics show a rise in property-related crime, particularly in lower-income neighborhoods and markets.
Crime: Areas of Concern
Travel by U.S. government personnel to the provinces of Central Papua (Papua Tengah) and Highland Papua (Papua Pegunungan) is restricted to mission-essential travel that is approved in advance by the Embassy. These two areas have seen a marked increase in insecurity, to include the 2023 kidnapping of a New Zealand airplane pilot and the recent killing of a New Zealand helicopter pilot, by an armed separatist groups. These groups also made public statements about kidnapping additional westerners, to include Americans. As a result, the Department adjusted its travel warning for American citizens to level four (Do Not travel) to these two provinces.
No areas of Jakarta or other major metropolitan areas are officially off-limits to U.S. government personnel, but there are areas in which the chances of becoming a victim of a crime are greater. The Ancol Port area and other areas of North Jakarta, such as Glodok, have a higher crime rate than other areas of the city.
Bali remains a target for opportunistic crimes like pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and scams. Data from 2023 reveals an uptick in such crimes in busy tourist areas like Kuta, Seminyak, and Ubud. There has been a rise in cybercrime targeting tourists and businesses, including ATM skimming and online fraud.
There have been reports of sexual assaults and drink spiking in Bali, Lombok, and the Gili Islands. Make sure drinks are prepared in your sight and be careful about accepting drinks from strangers at clubs and parties or leaving drinks unattended. Tourists have also been robbed after taking visitors to their hotel rooms, and in some cases have found that their drinks were spiked. There have also been deaths and serious illnesses caused by consuming alcoholic drinks contaminated with methanol. These cases have occurred in bars, shops, and hotels in popular tourist areas like Bali, Lombok, the Gili Islands, and Sumatra.
Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, Taking Credit, and Our Two Cents: Petty Crime Basics and How to Minimize the Risk.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Indonesia.
Aside from the aforementioned kidnapping incident and public statements in two Papuan provinces, kidnappings involving the expatriate community are rare. When such incidents occur, they are typically financially motivated, and the perpetrators are usually familiar with the victim and victim's family. Exercise the same common-sense precautions as in any large cosmopolitan area, such as maintaining a low profile and remaining aware of surroundings at all times.
Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Jakarta and Surabaya as being MEDIUM-threat locations for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Indonesia, indicating that terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups, or other targets may exist.
Extremists in Indonesia aspire to carry out violent attacks against Indonesian and foreign targets, and police have arrested more than 1,300 individuals on terrorism-related charges since 2018. Extremists may target both official and private establishments, including government offices, hotels, bars, nightclubs, shopping areas, restaurants, and places of worship. Be aware of your personal safety and security at all times.
Indonesia continued efforts to detect, disrupt, degrade, and deny safe haven for terrorist groups operating within its borders. The country’s counterterrorism agencies work cooperatively with U.S. government law enforcement agencies. While not a member of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, the Indonesian government and most civil society leaders denounce ISIS and support countering violent extremism (CVE) efforts in tandem with a robust civilian-led law enforcement effort against terrorists. The Indonesian National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) considered Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) to be the most dangerous terrorist group operating in the country prior to JI’s announcement in July that the group would disband. Analysts have questioned the veracity of the announcement by senior JI leadership. BNPT assesses that Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) is dangerous but disorganized, and thus also remains a priority for law enforcement. JAD formed in 2015 from a coalition of extremist groups that pledged allegiance to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
Jamaah Islamiyah leaders in Indonesia had announced the group's dissolution at a June 30 event organized by Indonesia's national police counter-terrorism squad. The dissolution was agreed upon by the assembly of 16 JI officials, seniors, and leaders of Islamic boarding schools affiliated with JI. The JI members agreed to return to the fold of the Republic of Indonesia and make changes to the curriculum of the JI-affiliated schools so that there are no more materials that teach extremism. The threat remains high as the risk of emergence of "violent splinter cells" in the recent future following the dissolution of the terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) in Indonesia.
Many of the original wave of operatives have now died or are in prison, but other pro-ISIS terrorist groups and sympathetic individuals inspired or recruited by online contact with extremists spark lone-actor attacks, especially against Indonesian police and security forces, Indonesian government facilities, and occasionally places of worship. Although terrorist groups have targeted Western interests in the past, there has not been a successful high-profile attack in nearly a decade.
Indonesian law enforcement and security officials aggressively pursue terrorist cells and have successfully disrupted multiple aspirational plots. Indonesia cooperates on a wide range of counterterrorism efforts with local and international partners, including the United States. The central government established the BNPT in 2010, a major step toward enhancing law enforcement efforts and countering violent extremism.
Surabaya remains vigilant against terrorism, particularly after the 2018 church bombings. While no significant attacks have occurred since then, the 2023 terror threat level remains moderate. Authorities have arrested individuals connected to terror cells, showing active efforts to disrupt terrorist activities.
The terror threat in Bali remains a concern due to its historical significance (2002 and 2005 bombings). However, no significant incidents occurred in 2023. Authorities have maintained a high security presence around tourist hubs, hotels, and public venues. The Bali bombings memorial sites are considered potential soft targets, but increased monitoring and counter-terrorism operations have been successful in reducing risks.
Makassar remains on alert following the 2021 suicide bombing at a Catholic church. In 2023, several small cells connected to Jemaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) were dismantled by the police. While no major incidents occurred, authorities report that radical groups remain active and are likely to target religious gatherings or government sites.
Despite government efforts and 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 actor ISIS sympathizers. INP has limited resources in terms of its ability to monitor extremists, including returned foreign fighters and former convicted extremists released from prison.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Jakarta and Surabaya as being MEDIUM-threat locations for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Indonesia, indicating that demonstrations, protests, and/or strikes occur frequently, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond adequately. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
Localized political violence and civil unrest due to ethnic, sectarian, religious, and separatist reasons is a possibility in the vast Indonesian archipelago.
Indonesia held a general election on February 14, 2024. Former minister of defense Prabowo Subianto won and was inaugurated in October 2024. While there was post-election protests reported, they passed without incident.
Protests & Demonstrations
Demonstrations are very common in Jakarta, Surabaya, and other large cities, but less common in Bali. 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. Protests usually coincide with the anniversaries of significant events in recent Indonesian history, like annual Labor Day demonstrations held by labor groups. Demonstrations and other mass gatherings should be avoided, since even those intended to be peaceful can become violent. It is important to note that under Indonesian law, foreigners are prohibited from participating in protests. U.S. citizens have been detained for participating in protests, and in August 2024, two British nationals were deported for participating in a demonstration by online motorcycle taxi drivers in Jakarta.
As mentioned, separatist reasons also pose a reason for protest. Papua has small but growing separatist groups, which include a small number of armed guerrilla groups. In 2022, authorities responded to protests against the planned division of Papua and West Papua into six new provinces with 1,000 police officers and water cannons. There have been numerous reports of both sides committing abuses against civilians including killings, physical abuse, and destruction of property. The conflict has caused the displacement of thousands of residents. In August, large protests erupted across Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Pontianak and Makassar which lasted several days. The protests initially started after the government released a statement that there would be an increase in the housing allowance for government workers, equaling three times the established minimum wage. The protests initially were composed of primary and university students but quickly grew to include laborers who were without work following the closure of several key plants. Violence escalated after a taxi driver was hit and killed by a law enforcement vehicle, sparking several days of rioting. Law enforcement became overwhelmed as police engaged protestors with tear gas and rubber bullets in attempts to disrupt the riots. In total, over 3,300 people were arrested, 1,000 were injured, and 10 were killed.
The August 2025 protests on the housing allowance that took place in Bali were peaceful, unlike the rest of the country. Bali has experienced occasional protests in 2023, especially in response to environmental issues, such as tourism development projects and land rights. Environmental and local advocacy groups have become more active, particularly in relation to water shortages and overdevelopment concerns. Protests in Makassar tend to revolve around political issues or regional development concerns.
Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
U.S. Embassy Jakarta will occasionally experience protests directly targeting the Embassy related to a variety of issues. Popular issues that will bring protesters to the embassy include the Middle East, Israeli military action against Palestine, and allegations of human rights abuses perpetrated by Indonesian forces in Papuan provinces. Prior to October 2023, most demonstrations attracted fewer than 100 participants; however, since then, the number of demonstrations at the Embassy has increased significantly and participants numbering in the thousands or tens of thousands is not uncommon.
Most Indonesians view U.S. nationals and other expatriates in positive terms, though there are isolated pockets of anti-western sentiment.
Law Enforcement
Indonesia is a multiparty democracy led by a president and a bicameral legislature. The INP is responsible for internal security and reports directly to the president. The Indonesian National Armed Forces, which also report to the president, are responsible for external defense and combatting separatism, and in certain conditions may provide operational support to police, such as for counterterrorism operations, maintaining public order, and addressing communal conflicts. Civilian authorities maintain control over security forces. There have been numerous reports that security officials committed arbitrary or unlawful killings.
Police Response
INP has limited abilities to respond quickly and efficiently to reports of crime and other emergencies due to insufficient transportation, inadequate training, and limited investigative ability. Communication with police and emergency response authorities may be difficult due to varying levels of English language ability, especially outside major cities. Skills are improving due to programs offered by the U.S. International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP), Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program (ATA), the Bangkok-based International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA), as well as other foreign partners.
Police presence and responsiveness is less than it is in the United States, making it more difficult to report crimes quickly and receive police attention. U.S. citizens often cite language barriers as a major hindrance when reporting crimes.
The Bali Police have a strong presence in tourist-heavy areas, and security has been beefed up around major international events, including the 2024 ASEAN summit. Collaboration between local police and international agencies (such as Australia and the US) is ongoing, particularly in the field of counter-terrorism and anti-narcotics.
Makassar's law enforcement has strengthened its anti-terrorism operations since the 2021 church bombing, though challenges remain in terms of addressing organized crime and drug trafficking. The military and police collaborate closely in maintaining order during protests and counter-terrorism activities.
Transportation Security
Road Safety
Road conditions vary from good to dangerously poor. In urban areas, visitors will often find traffic conditions extremely difficult due to massive congestion, undisciplined drivers, and the presence of numerous motorcycles and mopeds. Additionally, traffic flows on the left side of the road. The number of vehicles, estimated to increase by 10% per year, far exceeds the capacity of roadway infrastructure. Road safety awareness is very low, and many drivers, especially those on motorcycles/mopeds, disregard most traffic laws. Accidents on rented motorcycles constitute most expatriate deaths in Indonesia, especially in Bali.
Toll roads are modern, multi-lane, and well maintained, but are 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 other motorized or non-motorized conveyances. Avoid driving at night outside of major cities.
Because of the unique and dangerous driving conditions, most U.S. Embassy and Consulate employees, expatriates, and affluent Indonesians hire personal drivers. Rental car companies offer drivers, and in most cases will not rent a vehicle without their driver. It is imperative that those traveling in Indonesia, especially in rural/remote areas, do due diligence in confirming that travel agencies, tour companies, and rental drivers are legitimate. Serious vehicle accidents have occurred, injuring U.S. passengers who had contracted with unverified tour companies. The risk of accidents is higher in some of the most beautiful 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 will likely hold the driver of the larger vehicle liable in an accident.
Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.
Public Transportation Safety
While mass transit platforms such as Jakarta’s subway (MRT), commuter rail lines, and intercity trains are safe and well maintained, pickpockets and non-confrontational theft can be a problem, particularly on crowded local minibuses (angkot or mikrolet). Use reputable, registered taxi companies that vet their drivers. Scams by taxicab drivers have been reported; ensure drivers use their meters, and make note of cab numbers and driver information.
Aviation Concerns
Indonesia has a history of mass aviation accidents, including plane crashes and non-fatal runway overruns. Since 2016, Indonesia has maintained a Category 1 rating from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, following compliance by the country’s civil aviation authority with International Civil Aviation Office (ICAO) standards.
Review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights
Maritime Security
There continue to be serious accidents involving inter-island ferries across Indonesia, often resulting in deaths and injuries. Overcrowding is common, regulation lax, safety equipment often missing, and adherence to safety standards often minimal.
Piracy related incidents have decreased in Indonesian waters, according to the International Maritime Bureau. This drop is attributed to coordinated patrols with the Malaysian and Philippine militaries in the Sulu and Sulawesi Seas, and increased information sharing between partner countries. Most of these incidents are now reported to be opportunistic (e.g., against isolated fishermen or anchored ships), as opposed to larger-scale attacks against oil tanker ships.
The Indonesian Navy has periodically detained commercial vessels that are transiting or anchored in Indonesian territorial waters without the appropriate permissions. In such cases, the Navy has detained ships for a significant period of time and assessed the owner a heavy fine.
Consult with the Stable Seas Maritime Security Index for detailed information and ratings regarding rule of law, law enforcement, piracy, and other maritime security indicators.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Indonesia, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Indonesia.
Indonesian law prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention. Individuals may challenge the lawfulness of one’s arrest or detention in court, but there have been exceptions.
The law provides criminal penalties for official corruption, but government efforts to enforce the law are often insufficient. There have been numerous reports of government corruption. The Corruption Eradication Commission has investigated and prosecuted many officials suspected of corruption at all levels of government.
Health Concerns
The medical emergency line in Indonesia is 118. Sanitation and health care conditions in Indonesia are below U.S. standards. Routine medical care is available in all major cities, though quality of care is variable. Psychological and psychiatric services are limited throughout Indonesia. Even in large cities, the quality of English-speaking medical personnel will vary and there are often communication difficulties. In remote areas, there may be no English-speaking medical personnel. Ambulance services are mostly unavailable – and unreliable at best; do not count on ambulances to transport injured persons to hospitals quickly. Use taxis or private vehicles to transport auto accident victims to hospitals.
In August, Indonesian courts found a drugmaker and supplier at fault for the poisoning and killing of 200 children and injuring over 120, when they distributed cough medicine with high concentrations of ethylene glycol.
Physicians and hospitals often expect payment or sizable deposits before providing medical care, even in emergency and/or life-threatening situations. U.S. government employees and private travelers typically travel to Singapore for treatment of serious medical conditions. All travelers should have travel and medical evacuation (medevac) insurance. Air ambulance evacuations can exceed $100,000.
Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Department’s webpage on health insurance overseas.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Indonesia. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.
Vaccinations
Receive routine vaccines prior to travel to Indonesia. Malaria, dengue, Japanese encephalitis, and Zika virus are mosquito-borne diseases in Indonesia. Prevent mosquito bites. Malaria preventive medication is a necessity in some areas. Rabies is prevalent in animals; avoid animal contact.
Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.
Issues Traveling with Medications
Always carry prescription medication in their original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. Be aware that Indonesian authorities may consider some prescription drugs as illegal narcotics. The government does not publish a list of which pharmaceuticals it considers contraband, and these decisions may be arbitrary.
Do not mail or ship by courier any medications to Indonesia. Indonesian authorities pay close attention to packages containing pharmaceuticals and may detain or arrest recipients of prescription and over-the-counter medications alike. Even if a medication is legal or has been prescribed in the United States, it may be considered an illegal narcotic in Indonesia. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates cannot assist you with the importation and/or release of medications.
The Indonesian government does not recognize medical marijuana, or any such derivative, for legitimate medical use in Indonesia. The possession or use of marijuana or its derivatives is a crime in Indonesia and can result in lengthy prison terms. Authorities have arrested and kept incarcerated U.S. individuals after receiving mail containing marijuana.
Local pharmacies carry a range of products of variable quality, availability, and cost. Counterfeit pharmaceuticals are a significant risk; patronize only reputable pharmacies.
Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.
Water Quality
Tap water is not potable in Indonesia. Diarrheal diseases are very common throughout Indonesia; take appropriate food and water precautions.
Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?
Natural Disasters
The U.S. Department of State has included a Natural Disaster “N” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Indonesia.
Indonesia is geographically located on the "ring of fire;" there are minor, and sometimes major, volcanic eruptions in the archipelago every week. Indonesia has more active volcanoes (127) than any other country in the world. Indonesia has deployed an effective volcano-monitoring system, which has enabled the government to inform the population about potential eruptions and to direct evacuations that reduce casualties. Significant volcanic activity occurs on Java, Sumatra, Halmahera, Sulawesi, and Sangihe Islands, on the Sunda Islands, and in the Banda Sea. On October 15, Mount Lewotobi laki-laki erupted causing the evacuation of nearby villages and sending ash over 30,000 feet into the air.
There are approximately 4,000 earthquakes per year in Indonesia, or more than 10 per day on average. While most earthquakes are mild, some cause significant destruction and can trigger tsunamis. Tsunami warning systems may not be operable or reports of tremors and tsunamis may be delayed. Local construction standards are lower than in the United States, and many structures including hotels and malls are prone to damage or collapse in an earthquake. Access to disaster-affected areas is often difficult and assistance from the U.S. Embassy may be limited.
Many areas of Indonesia are vulnerable to earthquakes, tsunamis, and flooding. Every year, flooding and mudslides displace or injure significant numbers of Indonesians, especially in rural and remote regions. In general, the rainy season lasts from December to March, though this varies. Western and northern parts of Indonesia experience the most precipitation, since the north- and westward-moving monsoon clouds are heavy with moisture by the time they reach these more distant regions. However, flooding can occur even though there is no rain in the immediate area, with water coming from mountainous areas in the south. In addition to flooding, fires, particularly in Sumatra and Kalimantan, are also an environmental threat to human life, property, and health, with increased risk during dry seasons.
Air quality in Indonesia’s major cities can range from "unhealthy for sensitive groups" to "unhealthy." Find current air quality data for Jakarta on the U.S. Embassy’s Air Quality webpage.
Review OSAC’s report, Landslides: What Are They and How to Prepare.
Review OSAC’s report, Earthquake Preparedness Toolkit.
Cybersecurity
Indonesia is vulnerable to cyberattacks due to its lack of a national cyber policy; inadequate capacity to prepare for, identify, and counter such attacks; and low awareness among the general population about best practices as internet use in the country increases. Crimes committed via the internet are common, to include the deliberate spread of false information. In 2018, the Indonesian President elevated the rank of the Head of National Cyber and Cryptography Agency (BSSN) to Minister-level. U.S. citizens have been victims of internet scams originating in or having a nexus to Indonesia, mostly involving social media phishing and fraudulent stories about distressed Americans in Indonesia needing money. Other scams have involved invitations to social media influencers or filmmakers to travel to Indonesia on scouting trips media projects, during which scammers significantly overcharged for hotels, transportation, and other costs.
Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage.
Counterintelligence Issues
There are no country-specific counterintelligence issues affecting U.S. private-sector operators in Indonesia.
Import/Export Restrictions
In general, Indonesia’s import/export laws continue to develop, and approval must be acquired from the applicable licensing ministries.
Satellite phone usage is prohibited in Indonesia. Satellite phone usage is allowed in special circumstances for: Foreign Satellites used for national defense, international cooperation, research, free-to-air reception, field trials, or communication by foreign diplomatic missions and international organizations are exempted from certain requirements (Article 35). Applications for these special use cases must be submitted to the Minister with supporting documents (Articles 36–43)
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
