Staying Safe in Indonesia

Local Laws

When visiting Indonesia, it's important to be mindful of their strict laws and customs. Drug offenses, even for small amounts, can result in very serious consequences, including long prison terms and even the death penalty.

When it comes to public displays of affection, things like kissing or hugging are generally frowned upon, particularly in more conservative Muslim regions. Bali tends to be a bit more relaxed in this regard.

If you plan to visit religious sites, please dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees. In some mosques, women may also need to wear a headscarf.

It's also a good idea to avoid public nudity and showing disrespect towards national symbols or religious places, as this could lead to penalties or even deportation.

A new criminal code is set to take effect in January 2026, which will include penalties for cohabitation and sex outside of marriage. However, tourists are currently exempt from these particular provisions.

You might also want to know that using your left hand for greetings or giving items is considered impolite. This is because the left hand is traditionally used for personal hygiene. Lastly, while photography is generally allowed, some places have restrictions, so it's always best to ask for permission before taking pictures of people.

LGBTQ+ Travellers

Indonesia presents a complex and often challenging environment for LGBTQ+ travelers. While homosexuality is generally not criminalized at a national level in most of the country, local laws in some provinces, such as Aceh and South Sumatra, explicitly prohibit same-sex sexual activity with severe penalties. Social attitudes across Indonesia are largely conservative, influenced by traditional and religious norms, leading to a lack of legal protections against discrimination and hate crimes for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Visitors are advised to exercise discretion regarding their identity and relationships, particularly outside of more tolerant tourist areas like Bali, Jakarta, and the Gili Islands. It is important to be aware of ongoing legislative changes and local customs, as public displays of affection are generally frowned upon for all couples.Indonesia presents a mixed and often challenging landscape for LGBTQ+ travelers.

While homosexuality is not nationally criminalized in most regions, provinces like Aceh and South Sumatra enforce local laws that explicitly prohibit same-sex sexual activity, carrying severe penalties. Overall societal attitudes are predominantly conservative, shaped by religious and cultural norms, meaning there are no national laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination or hate crimes. Visitors, especially outside of more liberal tourist hubs such as Bali or Jakarta, are encouraged to be discreet about their sexual orientation and gender identity.

It is important to stay informed about local customs and potential legal changes, as public displays of affection are generally not accepted for any couple.

Scams

When traveling in Indonesia, it's good to be aware of a few common scams. You might encounter taxi drivers who charge too much or take you on a roundabout route. Be wary of unofficial tour guides who promise special deals. In markets, you'll sometimes find counterfeit items being sold, so keep an eye out for those.

Watch out for money exchange scams too. Unlicensed money changers might try to trick you with quick hands or faulty calculators to give you less money than you should receive. There have also been instances where people pretend to be police officers, often targeting those on motorbikes, and claim your international driving permit isn't valid to demand money.

Some scams involve scratch cards that look like they'll win you a free holiday, but they usually end up leading to timeshare sales pitches. Lastly, if someone offers to take your photo at a temple, be cautious of unsolicited offers, as they might demand payment afterward.

Crime

When visiting Bali and Lombok, it's good to be aware that the most frequent issues tourists encounter are minor offenses like pickpocketing and bag snatching. These tend to happen in busy places such as markets, on public transportation, and at popular tourist attractions.

We've also seen reports of drinks being tampered with, leading to robberies in hotels or while traveling. Sometimes, these drinks are mixed with dangerous substances like methanol.

While serious violent crime is uncommon, there have been isolated incidents, including sexual assaults, particularly affecting solo female travelers in Bali and Lombok. Credit card fraud and theft are also becoming more of a concern. Be cautious of unofficial taxis, as thieves have been known to force passengers to withdraw money from ATMs.

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