Safety in Indonesia: What Travelers Need to Know

As in most Southeast Asian countries, safety in Indonesia is excellent, and strolling through Java or Bali is actually less risky than walking around certain French cities. People on this side of the planet are warm and welcoming. That said, let's not be naive: people with bad intentions do exist, and it's worth adopting sensible habits to avoid trouble. What's more, the main dangers across the Indonesian archipelago don't necessarily come from the local population, but rather from the unpredictable, unforgiving nature found at these latitudes.

Guarding against theft

Indonesia is a poor country, and a Western traveler showing up with pockets full of cash inevitably draws attention. The first piece of advice is to avoid wearing expensive watches or flashy jewelry. Keep your style understated and stay low-key. Second, putting a combination or key lock on your suitcase is an effective precaution, especially if you plan on leaving your bags at your accommodation all day. On a motorbike or scooter, keep your phone in your pocket as much as possible, and hold it firmly whenever you need to take it out — snatch theft is common. At the ATM, never withdraw huge amounts. It's better to take out small sums regularly than a large amount all at once. Lastly, be aware that you'll likely be approached by beggars, so learn to say no, or you risk being drained little by little over time.

Going out at night

As you might expect, getting around on foot or by two-wheeler at night is the riskiest activity. Neighborhoods aren't always well lit, and criminals are on the lookout for any opportunity. The best approach is to stick to daytime outings to stay safe in Indonesia. If you still want to give it a try, go out with locals — they'll take you to the safest spots. Also keep in mind that alcohol isn't sold freely everywhere, particularly on Muslim-majority islands such as Java and Sumatra, which means bottles found in those areas may potentially be counterfeit and far from safe for your health. Drugs, on the other hand, are strictly prohibited. Indonesian courts are known for extreme severity toward traffickers, as a well-known case has shown. If a police officer catches you with any banned substance, you're in for serious trouble. Be sensible and don't blindly accept shady offers people make you. In Bali, the situation is much more relaxed for partygoers, and the laws are less strict. It's clearly the place to head to if you're planning on taking part in lively nightlife.

A land of earthquakes and unpredictable weather

In Indonesia, earthquakes happen daily. They're usually mild and go unnoticed, but every so often the tremors can be severe. Never sleep naked: wearing pajamas or clothes makes it quicker to get out of your hotel in case of disaster. If you ever feel any ground movement, run outside and gather with locals as far away from buildings as possible. The BMKG app can send you alerts for any unusual event. This government weather app also gives you precise conditions for wherever you are. Never board a plane or boat if you notice the forecast is bad. Crashes and shipwrecks caused by careless companies aren't rare, so stay safe.