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Is Indonesia safe to visit?

Yes, broadly: the vast majority of trips go by without anything worse than sunburn or an upset stomach. The real risks aren't the ones people picture: they're mostly on the roads, at sea and in a handful of specific regions.

What actually causes problems for travellers:

The roads. Traffic drives on the left, it's dense and chaotic, and scooters are the number one cause of accidents among tourists. Without a motorcycle licence at home and an International Driving Permit endorsed for motorcycles, your travel insurance will usually refuse to pay.
The sea. Overloaded boats, missing life jackets, unpatrolled beaches with strong rips: the sea kills far more travellers than any volcano. If a boat looks full or has no safety gear, don't get on.
Petty crime. Bag snatching from passing scooters, phones left on café tables, cards skimmed at isolated ATMs: rarely violent, but common in tourist areas and in Jakarta.
Spiked and fake alcohol. Methanol poisoning regularly hits travellers, often through cheap cocktails or home-made arak (local spirit). Australians have died from it.

Geographically, Papua is a separate case: armed clashes happen regularly, and Australia, the UK and the US all advise against travel to parts of the region. Central Sulawesi also calls for extra caution. There is a terrorism risk across the country, which is why you'll see security checks and scanners at the entrances to hotels and shopping centres: they're part of everyday life.

For women travelling alone, Indonesia is generally fine. Outside tourist areas, covering up limits unwanted attention; comments can happen, assaults are rare. At night, a Grab or Gojek ride (ride-hailing apps, like Uber) beats accepting a lift from a stranger.

What to do BEFORE you leave: subscribe to your government's alerts (Smartraveller for Australians, FCDO travel advice email alerts in the UK, the STEP programme for US citizens) and save Indonesia's emergency number, 112.

Verdict: a safe country for a sensible traveller; the serious dangers are on two wheels, on boats and in a few flagged regions.

Tip: if you don't hold a motorcycle licence, don't hire a scooter: a driver or a Grab costs a few dollars, while a hospital stay and medical evacuation abroad can run into tens of thousands.

Information checked in November 2026. Check your government's official travel advice before you go.

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Is Indonesia safe to visit?

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