Indonesien

Översikt

There is a high risk from terrorism, despite efforts by security agencies in preventing large scale attacks such as the 2009 Jakarta Ritz Carlton and Marriott hotel bombings. In recent years, several high profile terrorist bombings have occurred with some of them causing mass civilian casualties such as the Jakarta and Surabaya bombings in 2016 and 2018 respectively. Travellers should exercise caution when travelling to Aceh, Central Sulawesi Province (especially Palu, Poso and Tentena), Maluku Province (especially Ambon), Papua and West Papua Province due to potential for violence or violent conflict. While recent attacks have focused on state agents such as the police force, foreign embassies and local authorities continue to highlight a threat of terrorism directed towards western interests. Also, protests by religious extremist groups such as the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) have occasionally turned violent. The most recent unrest occurred in May 2019 in the aftermath of the presidential election results declaration that gave incumbent leader Joko Widodo a victory. Unrest perpetrated by supporters of the other candidate, Prabowo Subianto erupted in Jakarta and they lasted for several days. Kidnappings should also not be ruled out with several foreign nationals being taken away in Aceh, Sumatra in 2013. 

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Indonesia. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza. Travellers might also consider the vaccinations for Hepatitis B and rabies, according to the specifics of their travel.

Dengue occurs year-round in Indonesia, with peak transmission in the rainy season from November to April. Cases are frequently reported in East Java, Jakarta and on Bali.

Risk of malaria is present throughout Indonesia, excluding urban areas of Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar (Bali) and the beach resorts in southern Bali. Sporadic cases of malaria in travellers have been reported from rural areas of Java, Bali, Bintan and Lombok islands. Persons traveling extensively in rural areas, or on cruises between the islands, must take a full course of malaria suppressive medication. This prophylaxis should be supported by the use of insect repellent, mosquito nets and long-sleeved clothing around the hours of dusk.

There is risk of ongoing Zika virus transmission in Indonesia. Travellers should take meticulous anti-mosquito bite measures during the daytime. Pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to the country.

Chikungunya is endemic in Indonesia. Insect protection measures should be used including the use of spray containing DEET.

Risk of Japanese Encephalitis is present in the entire Indonesia, transmission occurs all year.

Schistosomiasis is only present in the province of Central Sulawesi and considered endemic. Risk is present in the Lindu Valley and localised around Lake Lindu and in the Napu Valley. Avoid swimming in fresh water, such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands and eating raw foods which have not been washed with purified water.

Indonesia has one of the fastest growing HIV/AIDS epidemics in Asia. Although, HIV prevalence is low in the general population at 0.5% is estimated to be 630.000 people living with HIV/AIDS.

Travellers should be aware of the risks associated with travellers’ ailments such as diarrhoea. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source or water that has been filtered and boiled.

It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration.

Tuberculosis is highly endemic in Indonesia.

Indonesian hospitals are considerably less well equipped than western facilities, particularly when it comes to dealing with emergencies or serious illnesses. Be aware that only Indonesian doctors can treat patients at Indonesian facilities. In the event of a serious emergency, some expatriates prefer to travel to Singapore or Australia to get treatment. It is sensible to ensure that travel insurance covers you for such eventualities.

Doctors can be found at clinics in most towns and cities, although you may have to wait a long time for treatment. You will have to pay in cash in advance for treatment.

There are many pharmacies in most Indonesian towns and cities, many stocking well-known brands.

Pass

Passports are required in order to enter Indonesia. Passports must be valid for at least six months or entry may be refused.

Visum

Visa free travel: Citizens of over 160 countries including EU, the countries of the Americas(except for Colombia), Russia, China and Australia can enter Indonesia without a visa and stay for a maximum of 30 days. Onward or return tickets must be carried and entry must be through a permitted airport or seaport. Travellers wishing to stay for longer than 30 days on a tourist visa must apply for their visa in advance and for most countries, it can be done through the new e-visa system. Handwritten applications will no longer be accepted unless a person is a diplomat or due to other circumstances.

Business Visa: Visas are required for all business travellers and are available for either single-entry (up to 60 days) or multiple-entry. For a multiple-entry visa, the business contact in Indonesia will need to apply on behalf of the traveller.

Student Visa: Required. Evidence of acceptance onto a course of study in Indonesia is also required.

For those visitors staying in private accommodation (other than hotels), you are required to register with the Indonesian police upon your arrival. Fines can be applied for not doing so.