Indonesia guide › Plan your trip to Indonesia

Drugs, new criminal code: which Indonesian laws affect tourists?

One rule covers every traveller: no drugs at all, not even a small amount, because Indonesia has some of the toughest drug laws in the world. As for the rest, the new criminal code that came into force on 2 January 2026 made headlines, but its morality provisions can only be prosecuted following a complaint from family.

What to know before you go:

Drugs. Trafficking carries the death penalty, and foreigners, Australians among them, have been executed. Simple possession, cannabis included, means long prison sentences. Never carry a package or a bag for anyone.
Medication. Some anxiety medication, sleeping pills and strong painkillers are classed as psychotropic drugs: keep the prescription and the original box.
Sex outside marriage. The new code punishes adultery (up to one year in prison) and unmarried couples living together (up to six months). These charges can only be brought on a complaint from a close relative of one of the people involved (spouse, parents, children).
Speech and protests. Insulting the president, state institutions or a religion is an offence, online too. Stay away from political gatherings.
Your stay. Overstaying your visa or working on a tourist visa can mean a fine, deportation and a ban on returning (see Do I need a visa for Indonesia?).

One province is different: Aceh, in northern Sumatra, applies sharia law, including to some public behaviour (alcohol ban, dress, unmarried couples). The rules there are stricter than anywhere else in the country.

In Bali as elsewhere, disrespecting a sacred site can also cost you dearly: tourists have been deported for nude photos or for climbing a temple or a sacred tree.

If you're arrested, ask straight away to contact your embassy in Jakarta (Australia also has a consulate-general in Bali): consular staff can check on your welfare and contact your family, but they can't get you released or interfere in the legal process.

Tip: don't pack anything you couldn't explain, and never agree to 'do someone a favour' by carrying a bag: in Indonesia, good faith won't protect you from a trafficking conviction.

Information checked in November 2026 (new criminal code in force since 2 January 2026). Check before you travel.

View on the interactive map

Drugs, new criminal code: which Indonesian laws affect tourists?

More landmarks in this section