Southeast Asia
Is Indonesia safe?
L2Exercise increased caution
Is Indonesia safe?
Generally safe for visitors; petty theft, scams and scooter crashes are the real risks. Respect volcano, earthquake and tsunami alerts.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2026-07-06.
- Homicide rate: 0.3 per 100,000 people (2022, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 11.3 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 110 · Ambulance 118 · Fire 113 · All emergencies 112.
- Solo women: Bali is easy for solo women; elsewhere dress modestly and expect stares or catcalls. Use Grab or Gojek at night and watch drinks.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Scooter crashes, especially in Bali, where many tourists ride unlicensed
- Methanol-laced arak and other bootleg spirits
- Earthquakes, eruptions and tsunamis; follow official alerts
- Strong rip currents on many surf beaches
Common scams
- Money changers short-counting notes, especially in Bali
- Taxi touts at airports and ferry ports overcharging
- Scooter rental damage claims; photograph the bike first
Laws visitors break by accident
- From 2026, sex outside marriage and unmarried cohabitation are crimes, prosecuted only on a spouse's, parent's or child's complaint
- Drug trafficking can bring the death penalty; even small amounts mean prison
- Disrespecting temples or sacred sites in Bali can lead to deportation
Safety by place in Indonesia
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Nusa Dua | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Bali | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Ubud | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Canggu | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Seminyak | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Uluwatu | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Yogyakarta | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Gili Islands | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Nusa Penida | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Lombok | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Labuan Bajo | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Sanur | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Raja Ampat | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Mount Bromo | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Bandung | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Nusa Lembongan | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Lake Toba | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Kuta Lombok | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Amed | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Batam | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Bintan | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Malang | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Bukit Lawang | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Surabaya | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Manado | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Tana Toraja | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Jimbaran | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Jakarta | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Kuta | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Medan | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Indonesia safe for tourists?
Generally safe for visitors; petty theft, scams and scooter crashes are the real risks. Respect volcano, earthquake and tsunami alerts.
Is Indonesia safe for solo female travelers?
Bali is easy for solo women; elsewhere dress modestly and expect stares or catcalls. Use Grab or Gojek at night and watch drinks.
What is the emergency number in Indonesia?
Police 110 · Ambulance 118 · Fire 113 · All emergencies 112.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- All Indonesia arrival declaration (Directorate General of Immigration)
- Indonesia e-Visa (Directorate General of Immigration)
- Wonderful Indonesia (Ministry of Tourism)
- Speedtest Global Index: Indonesia
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.