Indonesia

Note: Travellers should be aware that the entry requirements of almost all Asian countries stipulate that passports must be valid for at least six months.

Latest Update

On 30th September, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia's Sumatra island. The city of Padang was most severely affected - reports indicate a high number of fatalities and widespread damage to buildings, infrastructure and communications. Travellers should be aware that Indonesia sits along a volatile seismic strip and earthquakes are a regular occurrence.

On 17 July 2009, 9 people were killed and over 50 injured when suicide bombers detonated explosive devices in the Ritz-Carlton and Marriott Hotels in Jakarta.  There is a possibility of further terrorist attacks in Jakarta and the rest of Indonesia.  The Department of Foreign affairs strongly urges citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Indonesia. 

In the past months, a number of foreign nationals, including an Irish citizen, have died as a result of consuming contaminated alcohol. Utmost caution is advised across Indonesia and especially in Bali in relation to the consumption of the locally-brewed alcoholic drink of "arak" which has been linked to a number of fatalities. Take caution when consuming any locally brewed spirit or beer.

On 11 and 12 July 2009 at least 15 people, some of them foreigners, were killed in a wave of shootings near the Freeport mine in Papua.

Summary

The Department of Foreign Affairs advises to exercise extreme caution when in Indonesia.  The threat of indiscriminate terrorist attacks is high, especially in areas frequented by tourists and business travellers. In all cases, the Department advises consultation with travel agents before undertaking any specific journey. Both holiday makers and business travellers should be aware that there remains an ongoing threat of indiscriminate terrorist attacks in areas frequented by foreigners, including Jakarta and Bali. 

Due to regional unrest and the potential for politically motivated violence, travel to Aceh, Papua, Maluku and Central Sulawesi province is not advised.  In November 2009, there were a number of violent attacks against foreigners in Aceh.

Earthquakes occur frequently in Indonesia due to its geographical location. Major earthquakes can occur at any time. The most recent earthquake was on 20 February 2008, when an earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale hit off the coast of Aceh. There have been a number of fatalities and injuries as a result of this earthquake.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that comprehensive travel insurance, including medical insurance, is obtained before travelling to Indonesia. Travellers should note that the Irish government does not provide funds for emergency medical treatment, medical repatriation or for repatriation of remains.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The Indonesian immigration authorities require that travellers have at least six months validity on their passports in order to enter the country.

Irish citizens are permitted to obtain visas on arrival at scheduled main entry points but not at all entry points in Indonesia. It is your responsibility to assure yourself that visas on arrival are obtainable at your chosen point of entry. For people resident in Ireland, this visa information can be obtained from the Embassy of Indonesia in London (www.indonesianembassy.org.uk).
It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you. During your stay you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.

SAFETY & SECURITY

Irish citizens are advised against non-essential travel to Indonesia, including Jakarta.
On 17 July 2009, 9 people were killed and over 50 injured when suicide bombers detonated explosive devices in the Ritz-Carlton and Marriott Hotels in Jakarta.  In the wake of this bombing and previous bombings in Bali (2002 and 2005) and Jakarta (2000 and 2003), the threat from terrorism and the risk of further attacks remain high. 

Irish citizens in Indonesia are urged to exercise extreme caution, particularly in public places frequented by Westerners such as hotels, restaurants and nightclubs, and to be particularly vigilant throughout the Christmas and New Year period. 

In the past months, a number of foreign nationals, including an Irish citizen, have died as a result of consuming contaminated alcohol.  Utmost caution is advised across Indonesia and especially in Bali in relation to the consumption of the home-brewed drink of "arak" which has been linked to a number of fatalities.  

CRIME

You should be alert to street crime and pickpockets when traveling in Indonesia. You are advised to take the usual sensible precautions with your personal belongings. Do not carry all of your money at once and please ensure that your passport is secure at all times.
Credit card and ATM fraud occurs in Indonesia. Monitor all transaction and keep all receipts for your record. Use ATM’s in secure locations such as banks, shops and malls.

LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

Indonesia is predominantly a Muslim country, you should respect local practices. Dress code is conservative. Public displays of affection may offend. You are advised not to get involved with illegal drugs. Possession, trafficking and manufacture of drugs are serious offences in Indonesia and the penalties are severe.

Local Transport

Use only trusted company Taxi’s or hotel transport. Be vigilant as false operators may have vehicles that look similar to the reputable company’s cars.  Traffic can be very congested, unsafe and unpredictable. In the case of driving, if there is an accident, foreigners may be assumed to be at fault and incur the costs for all the parties involved. Mountain treks should be taken with an experienced guide. Piracy occurs in the coastal areas of Indonesia. The International Maritime Bureau issues weekly piracy reports on its website.

HEALTH

It is strongly recommended that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance (including medical evacuation) before travelling. You should check any exclusions that your policy may not cover you for the activities you want to undertake. 

You are advised to consult a doctor before travelling to Indonesia to ensure you have all the necessary vaccinations.

You are advised not to drink tap water or water that is not bottled and sealed.

Rabies

There is a risk of rabies in Indonesia, particularly in Bali, where it has recently become a significant problem resulting in a number of fatalities.

Avian Influenza

There have been outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in domestic poultry and wild birds in Indonesia. This has led to a small number of human fatalities believed to have arisen through close contact with infected poultry.

You should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

You should consult the WHO website for information on the level of alert in Indonesia at a given time.

A H1N1 Swine 'flu

For the latest information, please consult  http://www.depkes.go.id/en/index_en.htm .

Malaria

Malaria exists in parts of Indonesia. Before travelling to Indonesia, you should seek medical advice about suitable anti-malarial medication. You are advised to take adequate precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes. If you think you may have contracted malaria, seek medical attention immediately.

Dengue Fever

Dengue Fever is endemic in much of the country. You are advised to take adequate precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes. If you think you may have contracted dengue fever, see medical attention immediately.

NATURAL DISASTERS

Earthquakes

Indonesia's location on an active seismic strip known as the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it the site of frequent earthquakes, which can hit at any time and without warning. The most recent earthquake took place on 30 September 2009 in Sumatra, near the city of Padang, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread damage. Padang is only 600km away from the epicentre of the earthquake that triggered the 2004 Asian Tsunami. In 2006, an earthquake hit the city of Yogyakarta on the island of Java, killing more than 5,000 people.

Floods

Flash floods, landslides and more widespread flooding occur regularly during the rainy season from December to March.

Tsunamis

There are frequent occurances of large destructive tsunamis in the Indian and Pacific oceans because of many large earthquakes in the region.

Volcanoes

There are numerous volcanoes in Indonesia, any of which can erupt without warning.  You are advised to check local conditions before travelling to volcanic areas.

On 15 May 2006, Mount Merapi volcano in Central Java erupted, with reports of ash and debris clouds reaching up to four kilometres to the west of the mountain.  You should avoid the areas surrounding Mt. Merapi volcano, and some flights over the area have been cancelled.

DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR MISSIONS

The Embassy of Ireland in Singapore is accredited to Indonesia. For contact details, please click here (Opens in new window).