Indonesia
Regional risks
This section has safety advice for regions of Indonesia. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.
You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
Aceh
Aceh has emerged from a long period of internal conflict. Although violence against foreigners is rare, a British national was abducted in 2013 and there were 3 separate incidents in 2009 targeting foreigners. There have been reports of Sharia (religious) police harassing foreigners.
Be alert to the risk of politically motivated violence. Take particular care in remote areas. Keep up to date with local developments and avoid large crowds, especially political rallies.
Sharia law is in force in Aceh. See Safety and security.
Central Sulawesi Province
The political situation in Central Sulawesi Province is unsettled. Take particular care in Palu, Poso and Tentena. Be alert to the risk of politically motivated violence.
There is conflict between the Indonesian security forces and terrorists, including attacks on police and civilians in 2021. This conflict is predominantly in the Sigi, Parigi Moutong and Poso regions.
Maluku Islands
The Maluku Islands have experienced unrest and violence between different religious and tribal groups. Take particular care in Ambon Island, and also in Haruku Island (Pulau Haruku).
Papua region
Armed Papuan separatist groups are fighting for independence from Indonesia in the region of Papua. Violence has been steadily increasing since 2018. The Indonesian government has a heavy security presence throughout the region especially in Highland Papua and Central Papua provinces and along the border with Papua New Guinea.
There are regular armed clashes between Papuan separatist groups (known as the TPNPB-OPM) and government security forces, mainly in the regions of Highland Papua and Central Papua.
Clashes have resulted in civilian deaths, including foreign nationals. In 2020, a New Zealand national was shot dead and a number of Indonesian nationals were wounded in a mining facility in Highland Papua Province.
In February 2023:
- a New Zealand national was kidnapped by a separatist group in Nduga, Highland Papua Province
- the TPNPB-OPM issued a statement that foreigners in the Papua region would be targeted
There have been several instances of Papuan separatists attacking commercial aircraft that service remote communities from small local airfields, especially in Highland Papua and Central Papua provinces. This includes aircraft which are regularly used for transport by foreign nationals and those working in the region.
Political tensions have also led to violent demonstrations in cities across Papua, which have turned violent at short notice. Take local advice to help you avoid possible demonstrations and political rallies. Internet communications might be switched off in areas where demonstrations are planned. Make plans in advance in case you are affected.
The security situation in Highland Papua and Central Papua provinces is unpredictable and can change quickly. Take local advice to understand current tensions.
In 2022, the Indonesian government passed new legislation to reform the governance and administration of the Papua region. Papua and West Papua have been reorganised into 6 provinces:
- Papua
- West Papua
- Central Papua
- Highland Papua
- South Papua
- Southwest Papua
If you have previously travelled to the area, make sure you check the updated map.
The UK government has no permanent presence in the region. Support for British nationals is managed remotely from Jakarta. There are limited hospital facilities in the region. If you need emergency medical treatment, you are likely to be medically evacuated to Darwin in Australia.