Genvisec advises all travel to Indonesia can continue taking caution in the following areas: 

 

You should exercise caution when travelling to Aceh, Central Sulawesi Province (especially Palu, Poso and Tentena), Maluku Province (especially Ambon), Papua and West Papua Province due to potential for violence or violent conflict.

 

Crime

 

Be aware of the risk of street crime and pick-pocketing, particularly in busy tourist areas in Bali, where there has been an increase in reports of bag-snatching. Take sensible measures to protect yourself and your belongings. Avoid having bags obviously on show and carry only essential items. Take particular care of your passport and bank cards and avoid travelling around alone..

 

Credit card fraud is common. Don’t lose sight of your card during transactions. Criminals sometimes place a fake telephone number on ATMs advising customers to report problems. Customers dialling the number are asked for their PIN and their card is then retained within the machine.

 

Beware of thieves on public transport. If you’re travelling by car keep doors locked at all times. Only book taxis with a reputable firm. You can ask your hotel to book one for you, or use taxis from Bluebird, Silverbird or Express groups. These are widely available at hotels and shopping malls in central Jakarta and at Sukarno-International Airport. Take care to distinguish Bluebird and Silverbird vehicles from ‘lookalike’ competitors. Don’t use unlicensed taxi drivers at the airport or anywhere else. Their vehicles are usually in poor condition, unmetered and don’t have a dashboard identity licence. They charge extortionate fares and have been known to rob passengers.

 

Tourists have been robbed after bringing visitors to their hotel rooms. In some cases their drinks were drugged.

 

Methanol poisoning

 

There have been a number of deaths and cases of serious illness of locals and foreigners in Indonesia caused by drinking alcoholic drinks contaminated with methanol. These cases have occurred in bars, shops and hotels in popular tourist areas like Bali, Lombok and Sumatra. Criminal gangs have been reported to manufacture counterfeit replicas of well-known brands of alcohol containing high amounts of methanol. Take extreme care when buying spirit-based drinks, as bottles may appear to be genuine when they’re not.

 

There have also been cases of methanol poisoning from drinking adulterated arak/arrack, a local rice or palm liquor. Make sure cocktails are prepared in your sight and don’t leave drinks unattended as there have been reports of drink-spiking (with drugs) in clubs and nightspots. If you or someone you’re travelling with show signs of methanol poisoning or drink-spiking, seek immediate medical attention.

 

Local travel

 

Make sure you have the correct permits when planning local travel within Indonesia. Use a reliable and reputable guide for any adventure trips, otherwise you may have difficulties with local authorities if you need their help. For longer journeys, notify friends of your travel plans, contact them on arrival and where possible travel in convoy. Always carry a reliable means of communication with you.

 

Central Sulawesi Province

 

The political situation in Central Sulawesi Province is unsettled. Take particular care in Palu, Poso and Tentena and be alert to the potential for politically-motivated violence.

 

Maluku Province

 

Maluku Province has experienced unrest and violence between different religious and tribal groups. Take particular care in Ambon, including Haruku Island (Pulau Haruku).

 

Aceh

 

Aceh has emerged from a long period of internal conflict. Although violence against foreigners is rare, a British national was abducted in June 2013 and there were three separate incidents in November 2009 targeting foreigners. There have been reports of Shari’a (religious) police harassing foreigners.

 

You may be able to get a visa for Indonesia on arrival at the airport in Banda Aceh if you have arrived on an international flight, but the rules on entry and permission to remain can change at any time. Check with the Indonesian Embassy in your home country before you travel.

 

Be alert to the risk of politically-motivated violence and take particular care in remote areas. Sharia law is in force, visitors should be particularly careful not to offend local religious sensitivities (eg not drinking alcohol, not gambling, avoid wearing tight fitting or short clothing). Keep up to date with local developments and avoid large crowds, especially political rallies.

 

Papua and West Papua

 

Political tensions in Papua have given rise to occasional violence and armed attacks between Free Papua Movement (OPM) and the Indonesian authorities, particularly in the Central Highlands area around Puncak Jaya (including Wamena), but also including in Jayapura, Abepura, and Sentani on the north coast, and Timika town on the south coast.

 

Clashes in late July 2014 resulted in the death of security service personnel and civilians in the Lanny Jaya regency. If you’re travelling in the region, you should exercise extreme caution. In February 2013 a number of soldiers and civilians were killed in the Puncak Jaya region. In 2012, there were fatal shootings in and around Jayapura. Papuan separatists have kidnapped foreigners in the past. There is a heavy security presence in some areas, especially along the border with Papua New Guinea. Take extra care and seek local advice on your travel plans.

 

You will need a permit to travel to Papua and West Papua. Entry requirements can change at any time, and the penalties for entering the region with the wrong visa can be severe. You should get the latest information from the Indonesian Embassy in London before you travel. It is recommended that you carry your passport with you at all times when travelling around Papua. Should you need medical attention, there are limited hospital facilities in Papua and the likely destination for a medical emergency is Darwin, Australia.

 

The situation in the province of West Papua is calmer although there remains the possibility of unrest. Monitor the situation and be alert to changing circumstances.

 

Road travel

 

You can’t drive in Indonesia using an EU driving licence. You can drive using an International Driving Permit issued in Indonesia. International Driving Permits issued in your home country may need to be endorsed by the Indonesian licensing office in Jakarta.

 

Traffic discipline is very poor. Foreigners involved in even minor traffic violations or accidents may be vulnerable to exploitation. Consider employing a private driver or hiring a car with a driver. Some multinational companies don’t allow their expatriate staff to drive in Indonesia. Make sure you wear a helmet if you’re riding a motorbike or moped.

 

If you’re involved in an accident or breakdown, make sure someone remains with your vehicle. If you have any concerns for your security, move to another location safely. You should make yourself available for questioning by the police if requested to do so.

 

Air travel

 

A list of recent incidents and accidents can be found on the website of the Aviation Safety network.

 

With the exception of Garuda Indonesia, Mandala Airlines (not currently operating), Airfast Indonesia, Ekspres Transportasi Antarbenua (operating as PremiAir) and Indonesia Air Asia, all other Indonesian passenger airlines are refused permission to operate services to the EU due to safety concerns. You should avoid flying with Indonesian passenger airlines subject to the EU operating ban.

 

 

Sea travel

 

Inter-island travel by boat or ferry can be dangerous as storms can appear quickly and vessels can be crowded. Safety standards vary between providers and a number of passenger boats have been involved in accidents, resulting in injuries and deaths. Make sure you’re satisfied with safety standards before travelling, including safety equipment and life-jackets. Life-jackets suitable for children aren’t always available and you should consider bringing your own.

 

There have been attacks against ships in and around the waters of Indonesia. Mariners should be vigilant, reduce opportunities for theft, establish secure areas on board and report all incidents to the coastal and flag state authorities.

 

Political situation

 

The overall political situation is stable, but external as well as internal developments, including the Middle East, can trigger public protests or unrest. You should avoid all protests, demonstrations and political rallies as they could turn violent with little notice.

 

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, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.

 

In 2015, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to start on 18 June and finish on 18 July. 

 

Don’t get involved with illegal drugs. Possession, trafficking and manufacture of any illegal drugs are serious offences in Indonesia. The Indonesian authorities have a zero-tolerance policy and those caught face lengthy prison sentences or the death penalty, usually after a protracted and expensive legal process. Foreign nationals have been caught and jailed for drug offences in Indonesia.

 

Police often raid venues (particularly in Bali) known to be frequented by foreigners. You may have to take a urine or blood test if there is a reasonable suspicion that drugs have been used. Criminal gangs in the UK and elsewhere are known to coerce people into carrying drugs across borders. Don’t allow yourself to be persuaded.

 

During Balinese New Year, known as Nyepi, local custom requires that all people in Bali observe a day of silence by staying indoors, turning off lights, and making no noise. Ngurah Rai International Airport is closed for the entire day. However, emergency services and hospitals are allowed to operate.

 

Gambling is illegal in Indonesia. There have been cases where tourists have lost large amounts of money to organised gambling gangs.

 

Carry a photocopy of the relevant pages of your passport and copy of your arrival card for identification purposes and keep the original documents in a safe place.

 

Health

The standard of local medical care can be poor and some medical tests can’t be done reliably. Good medical care can be very expensive and in remote areas attention for serious injuries or illness is likely to be unavailable. You may require expensive medical evacuation costing up to tens of thousands of pounds. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

Rabies exists in domestic and wild animals. There are many street dogs in Bali and elsewhere. You should avoid direct contact with all dogs and cats (including pets), monkeys and other animals and seek immediate help if you’re bitten or scratched.

 

There’s a heightened risk of dengue fever in Bali and elsewhere during the rainy season (usually from around October to April).

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 118 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Avian Influenza (bird flu)

 

Avian flu has led to over 150 confirmed human fatalities in Indonesia since 2003, although the annual rate appears to be declining. All cases so far have been linked to close contact with poultry.

 

Although the risk to humans from Avian Influenza is low, 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 make sure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

 

Natural disasters

Indonesia sits along a volatile seismic strip called the ‘Ring of Fire’ in the Pacific. Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur regularly, which can present a potential threat of tsunamis. The capacity of the Indonesian emergency and rescue services to deal with large natural disasters is limited.

 

Earthquakes

 

If a major earthquake or landslide occurs close to shore, you should follow the instructions of local authorities, bearing in mind that a tsunami could arrive within minutes. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre issues tsunami warnings when a potential tsunami with significant impact is imminent or expected. Local warnings or advisories may also be issued.

 

Floods

 

Large areas of the country, including parts of West Sumatra, Central, East and West Java and Jakarta have been severely affected by recent heavy rains and subsequent landslides and flooding. Throughout Indonesia flash floods and more widespread flooding occur regularly. Cities - especially Jakarta - often suffer severe localised flooding which can result in major traffic congestion, and occasionally deaths. The main toll road to Soekarno-Hatta international airport can be affected by flooding. Landslides occur in rural areas during the rainy season.

 

Monitor local reporting and take care when driving and walking. Keep a stock of food and bottled water and make sure your phone is charged.

 

Volcanoes

 

There are numerous volcanoes in Indonesia, any of which can erupt without warning. You should monitor local media reports and follow the advice of the local authorities.

 

Mt Slamet in Central Java erupted in August 2014. Continuing activity has led to a 4 km exclusion zone being imposed.

 

Mt Kelud in East Java erupted on 13 February 2014 causing significant damage, displacement and disruption to aviation. All affected airports have now reopened but a 2km exclusion zone remains around the volcano.

 

Mt Sinabung in North Sumatra repeatedly erupted on 1 February 2014 resulting in a number of fatalities. Following intermittent eruptions since September 2013, several surrounding villages have been evacuated. The exclusion zone remains at 7km.

 

Mt Sinabung in North Sumatra has erupted repeatedly during 2013 and 2014 resulting in fatalities and a number of surrounding villages being evacuated. An exclusion zone remains in place.

 

Mt Lokon in Manado, North Sulawesi erupted in November 2012. An exclusion zone of 2.5 km remains around the volcano.

 

The alert status of Mt Bromo, in East Java, remains changeable following eruptions in November 2010 and January 2011. Walkers should stay away from the crater rim, as air quality can be significantly reduced by hot ash and toxic gases.

 

Tourists and fishermen have been advised not to come within a 1 km radius of Mt Krakatau, located near Krakatau Island between Sumatra and Java.

 

Terrorism

There is a threat from terrorism. Terrorist groups continue to plan and carry out attacks. These groups have the capacity and intent to carry out attacks at anytime and anywhere in the country.

 

Even though the Indonesian authorities have successfully disrupted attack planning in the recent past, the threat from Islamist extremism remains high.

 

The last successful major attack was on 17 July 2009 when the JW Marriot and Ritz-Carlton hotels in Jakarta were bombed. One British national was killed. Small scale attacks occur on a regular basis and further attacks are likely.

 

Indonesian government, law enforcement interests and places of worship are regularly targeted by extremists. Western interests are also at risk.

 

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreigners. Beach resorts, bars and restaurants, hotels, markets, shopping malls hosting major international brand outlets, tourist attractions, places of worship, foreign embassies, ferry terminals and airports are all potential targets.

 

Be vigilant and take care at all times. You should regularly review your security arrangements and be particularly vigilant during holiday periods including Easter, the Christmas and New Year period, Nyepi (Balinese New Year, 21 March 2015) and Independence Day (17 August), which can be a time of heightened tension and increased risk. On 3 January 2015 the US Embassy warned of a potential threat against US associated hotels and banks in Surabaya. You should be particularly vigilant in these areas.

 

There is a risk of kidnapping at sea in and around the waters of Indonesia. This risk is higher in the Sulu and Celebes seas. 

 

Visas

 

Foreign nationals need a visa to enter Indonesia. You can get a 30-day visa on arrival at a cost of US$35, valid for any period up to 30 days. You can extend this type of visa once for a maximum of 30 days by applying to an Immigration office within Indonesia.

 

For further information about entry requirements, visit the website of the Indonesian Embassy in your home country.

 

Emergency travel documents

 

If you are entering Indonesia using an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) you must apply for a visit visa at your point of origin. You won’t be able to get a visa on arrival if you are travelling on an ETD. As the processing time for an Indonesian visa can vary depending on where you apply, you should check with your local Indonesian embassy before applying for an ETD.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of departure from Indonesia.

 

The Indonesian authorities have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.

 

Departure and Airport tax

 

Departure tax varies by airport from 60,000 to 150,000 Rupiah. You will need to pay an airport tax of 150,000 Rupiah if you are departing on an international flight.

 

From 1 March 2015, major airlines flying in and out of Indonesia include airport tax in the price of their tickets. The Indonesian Ministry of Transport has stated that this policy will be implemented by all airlines operating in Indonesia in the future. For more information, check with your airline before you travel.

 

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 of Rp. 300,000 per day is paid. After overstaying for 60 days, you will be detained and possibly imprisoned.

 

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. If you stay in a hotel you will be registered automatically.

 

Yellow Fever

 

Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.