Indonesia
3 governments, 3 different opinions
Japan (MOFA)
Level 2
Applies to: Central Papua and Highland Papua provinces
Level 2: Avoid Non-Essential Travel
Exercise normal precautions for most of Indonesia including Bali. Level 2 for Papua and some other regions. Be aware of terrorism risk and natural disasters (earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions).
United States (State Dept)
Level 2
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution in Indonesia due to terrorism and natural disasters. Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis occur frequently.
United Kingdom (FCDO)
FCDO advises against all travel to Papua and West Papua provinces. Warns about terrorism, drug penalties (death penalty for trafficking), and the risk of natural disasters. Specific advice about Bali: petty crime, drink spiking, and methanol poisoning from local spirits.
Japan rates Central Papua and Highland Papua provinces at Level 2, while the US Level 2 covers the whole country. The two numbers describe different areas, so they cannot be compared directly.
Japan's advisory covers Central Papua and Highland Papua; everywhere else sits in its lightest category. The US asks for caution nationwide, citing the terrorist threat and the frequency of natural disasters. The UK stands out most: it advises against all travel inside exclusion zones around active volcanoes — 7km around Lewotobi Laki-Laki, 5km around Sinabung, 3km around Marapi, 7km around Ruang — a framing neither of the others uses. The UK also warns about methanol poisoning from cheap local spirits, notably in Bali. That is a risk that can kill, and neither the Japanese nor the US advisory gives it prominence. The UK is likewise the clearest that drug offences can carry the death penalty.
What Each Government Says
Japan (MOFA)
Level 2: Avoid Non-Essential Travel
“Exercise normal precautions for most of Indonesia including Bali. Level 2 for Papua and some other regions. Be aware of terrorism risk and natural disasters (earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions).”
United States (State Dept)
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
“Exercise increased caution in Indonesia due to terrorism and natural disasters. Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis occur frequently.”United Kingdom (FCDO)
Advises against all travel to parts of Indonesia
“FCDO advises against all travel to Papua and West Papua provinces. Warns about terrorism, drug penalties (death penalty for trafficking), and the risk of natural disasters. Specific advice about Bali: petty crime, drink spiking, and methanol poisoning from local spirits.”Destination Customs
Prohibited / Restricted Imports
Drugs and narcotics — strictly prohibited. DEATH PENALTY for trafficking. This is actively enforced.
Alcohol — duty-free allowance is only 1 liter. Excess is subject to high import duty.
Weapons, ammunition, and explosives — strictly prohibited.
Pornographic materials — prohibited. Indonesia has strict obscenity laws.
Certain medications (containing pseudoephedrine, codeine) — may require a doctor's letter. Check before travelling.
Export Restrictions
Coral, shells, and marine products — protected under Indonesian law. Export may require permits.
Endangered species products (tortoiseshell, ivory) — strictly prohibited under CITES.
Cultural artifacts and antiques — export permit required.
Customs rules can change. Always verify with the local customs authority or embassy before travelling. See Japan return customs guide
SAFE-SENTINEL Tips
💡 Based on all 3 sources:
- 1.NEVER buy or carry drugs. Indonesia enforces the death penalty for drug trafficking — this is not theoretical
- 2.Do not drink cheap local spirits (arak) — methanol contamination has killed tourists in Bali. Stick to sealed bottles from reputable bars
- 3.Download a disaster alert app and know your tsunami evacuation route, especially in coastal areas
- 4.Use Grab or Gojek for transportation. Negotiate prices in advance if using local taxis
- 5.Bali is generally safe but watch for bag snatching on motorbikes and drink spiking in nightlife areas
- 6.Get comprehensive travel insurance that covers natural disaster evacuation. Standard policies may exclude this
- 7.Respect local customs: dress modestly when visiting temples, always remove shoes when entering homes
Pre-Trip Checklist
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Emergency Contacts
Japanese Embassy
+62-21-3192-4308Local Emergency
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Sources & Freshness
⚠️ This information may not reflect the latest situation. Always check official sources before travelling.