Island in Riau Islands, Indonesia
Is Batam LGBTQ+ friendly?
Is Batam LGBTQ+ friendly?
Riau Islands are conservative; a few quiet bars, but no open scene. Police raids on private parties have occurred, so keep discreet.
LGBTQ+ laws in Indonesia
Bali is relaxed, with gay-friendly bars in Seminyak; elsewhere hostility is rising, police raid private parties, and discretion is essential.
| Status | |
|---|---|
| Same-sex relationships legal | Yes |
| Same-sex marriage | No |
| Civil unions or partnerships | No |
| Legal gender change | Unclear |
| Anti-discrimination law | No |
| Legal penalty | Aceh only: public caning under sharia; elsewhere police raids use pornography laws |
LGBTQ+ friendliness across Indonesia
| Place | Rating |
|---|---|
| Seminyak | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Bali | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Ubud | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Canggu | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Uluwatu | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Gili Islands | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Nusa Penida | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Kuta | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Nusa Dua | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Sanur | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Nusa Lembongan | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Amed | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Jimbaran | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Jakarta | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Yogyakarta | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Lombok | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Labuan Bajo | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Raja Ampat | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Mount Bromo | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Bandung | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Lake Toba | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Kuta Lombok | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Batam | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Bintan | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Malang | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Bukit Lawang | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Medan | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Surabaya | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Manado | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Tana Toraja | 2/5 · Hostile |
Quick answers
Is Batam safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?
Riau Islands are conservative; a few quiet bars, but no open scene. Police raids on private parties have occurred, so keep discreet.
Is same-sex marriage legal in Indonesia?
No.
More about Batam
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Sources
- ILGA World: legal frameworks
- All Indonesia arrival declaration (Directorate General of Immigration)
- Indonesia e-Visa (Directorate General of Immigration)
- Wonderful Indonesia (Ministry of Tourism)
- Batam Free Trade Zone Authority (BP Batam)
- InJourney Airports (Indonesian airports)
Ratings combine national law with local attitudes and the scene. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.