Indonesia
Country Specific Information

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:  Indonesia is an independent republic consisting of more than 17,500 islands spread over 3,400 miles along the Equator. The main islands are Java, Sumatra, Bali, Kalimantan (Borneo), Sulawesi (Celebes), Papua, Halmahera, and Seram. The capital city of Jakarta lies in the lowlands of West Java, the most populated island. The country has approximately 245,500,000 people and more than 300 ethnic groups.

Indonesia’s geographic location and topography make the country prone to natural disasters, especially seismic upheaval due to its location on the “Ring of Fire,” an arc of volcanoes and fault lines encircling the Pacific Basin.  Indonesia is a developing country with a growing economy and some infrastructure shortcomings.  However, it has many tourist destinations associated with the country’s cultural diversity and natural resources. Annually, approximately 150,000 U.S. tourists visit Indonesia. 

The U.S. diplomatic mission in Indonesia consists of approximately 220 American staff and 500 family members in addition to an average of 150 temporary duty officials who visit the Embassy each month.  See the Department of State Background Notes on Indonesia for additional information on the country.

Back to Top

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS:  The Indonesian government requires a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Indonesia to enter the country.  Indonesian authorities regularly deny entry to all foreign nationals who arrive with less than six months validity on their passports. The U.S. Embassy cannot obtain entry permission for Americans in this situation. Travelers will be required to depart for Singapore or a nearby country to obtain a new U.S. passport.

American citizens are required to have a visa to enter Indonesia. U.S. citizens may apply for a visa on arrival at the airports in Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, Medan, Padang, Pekanbaru, Manado, Biak, Ambon, Balikpapan, Pontianak, Kupang, and Batam.  An onward/return ticket is required to apply for an entry visa at these Indonesian ports of entry.  Visas are not available at the Banda Aceh airport.  Visas on arrival are available at a limited number of seaports but are not available at any land border crossing. Travelers without a visa should check carefully when planning travel between Indonesia and other countries in the region to be sure their return to Indonesia is through a designated visa-on-arrival port or airport. Travelers will not be allowed to enter or return to Indonesia at an entry that does not have visa-on-arrival facilities.

Indonesian visas require an entire passport page. Travelers without a blank visa page in their passport may be denied entry. Additional visa pages may be added in the United States through a Passport Agency or at most U.S. Embassies and Consulates.  Visitors may be granted a 3-day visa on arrival for a fee of $10 or a 30-day visa on arrival for a fee of $25. Recent experience has shown that some visitors are granted a 7-day visa on arrival for $10. All visas on arrival are non-extendable. Travelers must exit the country to be able to purchase another visa on arrival. Travelers are strongly advised to purchase the 30-day visa on arrival to avoid problems if travel plans change unexpectedly. As of March 2008, travelers who overstay visas on arrival are subject to a fine of U.S. $20 per day.

U.S. citizens may also apply for a visa at the Indonesian Embassy in Washington, DC or at an Indonesian Consulate in the U.S. In some cases, U.S. citizens may also apply at Indonesian embassies and consulates in other countries. U.S. citizens traveling overseas who wish to apply for an Indonesian visa should inquire with the local embassy in the country where they are currently traveling.  A visitor's visa for business purposes and social/cultural stays of longer duration require a letter of intent/sponsorship from the Indonesian employer and/or sponsor. For up-to-date information, travelers may contact the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia: 2020 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036, phone: (202) 775-5200 or via Internet: http://www.embassyofindonesia.org. Indonesian Consulates are located in Los Angeles (213) 383-5126, San Francisco (415) 474-9571, Chicago (312) 920-1880, New York (212) 879-0600, and Houston (713) 785-1691. Visit the Embassy of Indonesia web site at http://www.embassyofindonesia.org for the most current visa information.

Indonesia strictly enforces its immigration/visa requirements. Several Westerners, including Americans, have been jailed for visa violations and/or overstays. Violators may also be subject to substantial fines and/or deportation from Indonesia for immigration and visa violations. Immigration officials have also detained people for conducting business, academic, or other non-tourist activities while in tourist visa status. Volunteer work with local or international NGOs is not permitted on tourist visa status. Penalties for such immigration/visa violations may include a prison sentence of up to 5 years and a fine of Rupiah 25 million. Travelers are encouraged to contact an Indonesian consular office to determine the appropriate visa category before traveling to Indonesia. Please consult the Criminal Penalties section below for further information.

All airline passengers, including children, are subject to a departure tax, which must be paid in cash (Rupiah). The international departure tax as of March 2008 is 100,000 Rupiah; domestic departure taxes are lower and vary by airport.

For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.

Back to Top

SAFETY AND SECURITY: Several terrorist attacks have occurred in Indonesia, including the most recent bombing at two beachfront restaurants in Bali in October 2005 that resulted in the deaths of 20 people.  Since 2005, the Indonesian police and security forces have disrupted a number of cells and arrested approximately 400 suspects linked with Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), a U.S. Department of State-designated terrorist organization.  While Indonesia’s counterterrorism efforts have had significant results, the threat remains. As with most parts of the world, a terrorist attack could occur with little or no warning. JI networks and cells may remain intact and could have the capacity to go operational with little warning.

There remains a continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations and other violent actions that may affect U.S. citizens in Indonesia.  Extremists may target both official and private interests. Examples of such targets include high-profile sporting events, residential areas, business offices, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, public areas, and locales where Americans or foreigners gather in large numbers. The Department of State urges Americans in Indonesia to avoid crowds, maintain a low profile, and be vigilant about security at all times. Americans are advised to monitor local news broadcasts, vary their routes and times in carrying out daily activities, and consider the level of preventive security when visiting public places in Indonesia. Americans vacationing in Indonesia are advised to consider the level of preventive security when choosing hotels, restaurants, beaches, entertainment venues, and recreation sites.

The U.S. Mission in Indonesia must approve U.S. government employees’ travel to the province of Papua, and travelers to that region must also obtain the approval of the Indonesian government.  Even though other areas of Indonesia are not under official U.S. government travel restrictions, the U.S. Mission requests that official U.S. government employees inform the Regional Security Officer of their intent to travel to the provinces of Banda Aceh, Central Sulawesi and Maluku.

American travelers and American residents are urged to update their passports and important personal papers in case it becomes necessary to depart Indonesia quickly. Travel distances, poor communications, and an inadequate health care infrastructure make it extremely difficult for the Embassy to respond to U.S. citizen emergencies. Many parts of Indonesia (including many tourist destinations) are isolated and difficult to reach or contact.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, as well as the Worldwide Caution, can be found.  Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.

Back to Top

CRIME:  Crime can be a problem in some major metropolitan areas in Indonesia.  Crimes of opportunity such as pick-pocketing and theft occur throughout the country. Americans in Jakarta and Surabaya are advised to hire a taxi either from a major hotel queue or by calling a reputable taxi company such as Silver Bird or Blue Bird, rather than hailing one on the street.  Americans arriving at Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Jakarta should only use Silver Bird or Blue Bird taxis obtained at a designated taxi queue.  Airport touts should not be used.  Criminals in Jakarta regularly rob customers in taxis painted to look like taxis from reputable companies; booking taxis by telephone directly from the company is the best way to avoid falling victim to this crime.

Claiming to act in the name of religious or moral standards, certain extremist groups have, on occasion, attacked nightspots and places of entertainment. Most of these attacks have sought to destroy property rather than to injure individuals. International news events can sometimes trigger anti-American or anti-Western demonstrations.

Credit card fraud and theft is a serious and growing problem in Indonesia, particularly for Westerners. Travelers should minimize use of credit cards or use cash. If used, credit card numbers should be closely safeguarded at all times. There have been many reports of shop, restaurant and hotel staff writing down the credit card numbers of customers and then making purchases using the credit card number after the consumer has departed the retail location. Travelers who decide to use credit cards should monitor their credit card activity carefully and immediately report any unauthorized use to their financial institution.

U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a copy of their U.S. passports with them at all times, so that if questioned by local officials, proof of identity and proof of U.S. citizenship are readily available. When U.S. citizens are arrested or detained, formal notification of the arrest is normally provided to the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta in writing, a process that can take several weeks. If detained, U.S. citizens should telephone the nearest U.S. consular office immediately.

"Drink-spiking" incidents have been of increasing concern in the past months, targeting males in clubs and nightspots. The effects of this drug, believed to be an animal tranquilizer, are extremely powerful. Besides putting the victim in an unconscious state for a long period of time, the side effects include memory loss, nausea, headaches and vomiting. Although these incidents involve male victims it is important to remember that females have been victimized in the past with "Date-Rape" drugs.

Maritime piracy is a persistent problem in Indonesian waters, targeting primarily commercial vessels.  The majority of piracy attacks occur in the Straits of Malacca between the Riau Province and Singapore and in the waters north of Sulawesi and Kalimantan.  Before traveling by sea in these areas, passengers are advised to review the current security situation with a local port agent.

In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products may be illegal under local law. In addition, bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines. More information on this serious problem is available at http://www.cybercrime.gov/18usc2320.htm.

Back to Top

INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

See our information on Victims of Crime .

Back to Top

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: 
The general level of sanitation and health care in Indonesia is far below U.S. standards.  Some routine medical care is available in all major cities, although most expatriates leave the country for serious medical procedures.   Psychological and psychiatric medical and counseling services are limited throughout Indonesia.  Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to locations with acceptable medical care, such as Singapore, Australia, or the United States, can cost thousands of dollars.  Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payments or sizable deposits for health services.   A list of English-speaking doctors and hospitals is available via the U.S. Embassy Jakarta website at http://jakarta.usembassy.gov.

Indonesian ambulance attendants lack training equivalent to U.S. standards.  Americans staying in Indonesia for extended periods, especially those who have known health problems, are advised to investigate private ambulance services in their area and to provide family and close contacts with the direct telephone number(s) of the service they prefer.

Malaria, dengue and other tropical and contagious diseases occur frequently in Indonesia.  In 2005, polio re-emerged in Western Java.  Avian Influenza A (H5N1) is endemic among poultry in Indonesia and poultry outbreaks have been reported in the majority of Indonesia’s provinces.  As of March 31, 2008, the Ministry of Health has reported a total of 132 confirmed human H5N1 cases and 107 deaths.  Of the total, 20 cases and 13 deaths occurred in 2005, 55 cases and 45 deaths occurred in 2006, 42 cases and 37 deaths occurred in 2007, and 15 cases and 12 deaths have been reported this year.  Travelers are urged to consult with their personal physicians and to obtain updated information on Avian Influenza before traveling to Indonesia. Updated information and links to the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are posted on the U.S. Embassy website at http://jakarta.usembassy.gov/.  For further information on avian influenza (bird flu), please refer to the Department of State's Avian Influenza Fact Sheet, available at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/health/health_1181.html.

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the CDC’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s website at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in Indonesia.  For further information, please consult the CDC’s Travel Notice on TB http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCH4-TB.aspx.   For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the WHO’s web site at http://www.who.int/en.  Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith/en.

Back to Top

MEDICAL INSURANCE:  The Department of State urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm if their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.

Back to Top

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS:  While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.  The information below concerning Indonesia is provided for general reference only, and may not be accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

In general, traffic in Indonesia is congested and undisciplined.  The number and variety of vehicles on the road far exceeds the capacity of existing roadways. Road conditions vary from good (in the case of toll roads and major city roads) to dangerously poor.  Generally, road safety awareness is very low in Indonesia, although it is increasing.  Buses and trucks are often dangerously overloaded and tend to travel at high speeds.  Most roads outside major urban areas have a single lane of traffic in each direction, making passing dangerous.  Most Indonesian drivers do not maintain a safe following distance in a manner familiar to U.S. drivers and tend to pass or maneuver with considerably less margin for error than in the United States.  Although traffic in Indonesia moves on the left side of the road, drivers tend to pass on both sides and may use the shoulder for this purpose.  It is common for drivers to create extra lanes regardless of the lane markings painted on the roads. 

Throughout Indonesia, there is an overabundance of motorcycles claiming to have the right of way. Many motorcycle drivers recklessly weave in and out of traffic and typically fail to observe traffic regulations. Throughout the country, motor vehicles also share the roads with other forms of transportation such as bicycle pedicabs, horse and ox carts, and pushcarts.

Although Indonesia requires the use of seat belts in front seats, most Indonesian automobiles do not have seat belts in the rear passenger seats.  The use of infant and child car seats is not common, and it can be very difficult to rent a car seat for temporary use.  Helmets are required for all passengers on motorcycles, but this law is inconsistently enforced.  Passengers often do not wear helmets.  Accidents on rented motorcycles constitute the largest cause of death and serious injury among foreign visitors to Indonesia.  American citizens are discouraged from riding motorcycles. 

Expatriates and affluent Indonesians often use professional drivers.  All car rental firms provide drivers for a nominal additional fee.  Travelers unfamiliar with Indonesian driving conditions are strongly encouraged to hire drivers.

Driving at night can be extremely dangerous outside of major urban areas.  Drivers often refuse to use their lights until it is completely dark, and most rural roads are unlit.  Sometimes residents in rural areas use road surfaces as public gathering areas, congregating on them after dark.

When an accident involving personal injury occurs, Indonesian law requires both drivers to await the arrival of a police officer to report the accident.  Although Indonesian law requires third party insurance, most Indonesian drivers are uninsured, and even when a vehicle is insured, it is common for insurance companies to refuse to pay damages.   Drivers should be aware that ambulance service in Indonesia is unreliable, and that taxis or private cars are often used to transport the injured to a medical facility.   In cases of serious injury to a pedestrian, the driver of the vehicle could be required to help transport the injured person to the hospital.  When an accident occurs outside a major city, it may be advisable, before stopping, to drive to the nearest police station to seek assistance.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.  Visit the website of Indonesia’s national tourist office at http://my-indonesia.info/indexpromo.php and national authority responsible for road safety at http://www.dephub.go.id/english/index.php?name=Simbol.

Back to Top

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:
Based on publicly available information, including the results of a study commissioned by the Indonesian Government, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has determined that the Indonesian Directorate General of Civil Aviation is not in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for the oversight of Indonesia’s air carrier operations.  For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s web site at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa. 

Indonesian civil aviation continues to experience air incidents and accidents, including four crashes with fatalities between September 5, 2005, and March 7, 2007.  Incidents included hard landings, collapsed landing gear, and planes veering off the runway.  Whenever possible, Americans traveling to and from Indonesia should fly directly to their destinations on international carriers from countries whose civil aviation authorities meet international aviation safety standards for the oversight of their air carrier operations under the FAA’s International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program.  For domestic flights, the U.S. Embassy uses Garuda Airlines whenever possible but uses other domestic carriers as needed. 

Back to Top

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:  

Natural Disasters: Many areas of Indonesia are at high risk for natural disasters due to its geographic location and topography.  The Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami on December 26, 2004 killed more than 130,000 people and left over 37,000 missing in Aceh and North Sumatra. On September 12, 2007 a 8.4-magnitude quake off shore of Sumatra along the edge of the Menawai island patch damaged hundreds of homes and killed at least 13 people. Dozens of strong aftershocks were felt and magnitude 7.8 and 7.1 tremors were recorded during the following two days. Major earthquakes on Nias Island off Sumatra in March 2005 and in Yogyakarta in May 2006 killed thousands of people. An earthquake and tsunami on the southern Java coast in July 2006 killed more than 600 people and left thousands homeless. Mt. Merapi Volcano near Yogyakarta experienced significant pyroclastic flows from April to early July 2006, and authorities evacuated residents within a 15-mile radius. Americans planning hiking or other outdoor activities in Indonesia are encouraged to obtain up-to-date information on local conditions, to travel with a local guide, and to carry a local mobile phone. Travelers should obey instructions from civil defense and emergency personnel and should not enter restricted areas.

Air Quality: Air quality in Indonesia is acceptable most of the time. However, within Indonesia’s major cities, air quality can range from “unhealthy for sensitive groups” to “unhealthy.” The air quality in Jakarta is particularly polluted. Individuals susceptible to chronic respiratory illnesses should consult with their doctor before spending significant amounts of time in Jakarta.

Scuba Diving, Snorkeling and Surfing:  U.S. citizens should exercise prudence when scuba diving, surfing and snorkeling, and when visiting remote tourist locations.  Strong seasonal undercurrents in coastal waters pose a sometimes-fatal threat to surfers and swimmers, and every year several Americans drown in unstable water.  Surfers and divers should also be aware that local fishermen in coastal waters may use explosives to catch fish although this practice is illegal in Indonesia. 

Hiking:  U.S. citizens interested in hiking on Puncak Jaya or other mountains in Papua should ensure that they organize their trip through a reputable tour operator and ensure they have firm, realistic plans and backup plans for climbing down the mountain.  In the past, some local tour operators have abandoned climbers after they reached the summit.  Climbers should be aware that transiting via private properties on the way down the mountain is considered trespassing and not a safe or legal alternative.  

Teaching English in Indonesia: U.S. citizens who would like to teach English in Indonesia are urged to carefully review employment contracts before they travel to Indonesia.  Most contracts include a monetary penalty for early termination.  Individuals should be aware that English schools may require holding passports to insure that the employee complies with the terms of the contract or pays the appropriate penalty.  In the past several months, there has been an increase in the number of Americans who terminated their employment contracts early, and could not depart Indonesia because their employer would not release their passports. 

Commercial Disputes: U.S. citizens involved in commercial or property matters should be aware that the business environment is complex and dispute settlement mechanisms are not highly developed. Local and foreign businesses often cite corruption and ineffective courts as serious problems. Business and regulatory disputes, which would be generally considered administrative or civil matters in the U.S., may in some cases be treated as criminal cases in Indonesia. It can be challenging to resolve trade disputes. For more information, please refer to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Country Commercial Guide for Indonesia at http://www.buyusainfo.net/docs/x_6987010.pdf.

Internet Purchases: U.S. citizens frequently experience difficulties when purchasing goods by Internet from Indonesian suppliers with whom the buyer has not met personally. An increase in fraud has been noted with American citizens attempting to purchase goods via the internet from Indonesian stores and suppliers.

Currency: Counterfeit currency is a problem in Indonesia. Banks, exchange facilities and most commercial establishments do not accept U.S. currency that is worn, defaced, torn, or issued before 1996.

Dual Nationality: Indonesian law does not recognize dual nationality for adults over 18 years of age. Because of this, U.S. citizens who are also documented as Indonesian nationals may experience difficulties with immigration formalities in Indonesia. Holding dual citizenship may also hamper the U.S. Embassy or Consulate’s ability to provide consular protection to Americans. In addition to being subject to all Indonesian laws affecting U.S. citizens, dual nationals may also be subject to other laws that impose special obligations on Indonesian citizens. In July 2006 the Indonesian Parliament passed new legislation allowing children under age 18 to maintain a foreign nationality as well as Indonesian citizenship. Parents whose children hold both Indonesian and U.S. citizenship may experience difficulties with entry and exit immigration procedures until the new law is fully implemented.

Transportation: There has been a rapid rise in all manners of public and private transportation within Indonesia. Various private airlines have begun operations in Indonesia over the past several years, as have new bus and ferry lines. Several recent air accidents have resulted in fatalities, injuries, and significant damage to aircraft. In the past year, several ferries sank and another was badly damaged by fire, resulting in a significant number of deaths and injuries. While all forms of transportation are regulated in Indonesia, equipment tends to be less well maintained than similar equipment operated in the United States, and the quality of amenities found on various modes of transportation do not typically meet Western standards.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Indonesian customs authorities have strict regulations concerning the import and export of items such as prescription medicines and foreign language materials or videotapes/discs. Americans are encouraged to contact the Embassy of Indonesia in Washington or one of Indonesia’s consulates in the United States for specific information about customs requirements. Transactions involving such products may be illegal, and bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeiture and/or fines. Please see our Customs Information.

Back to Top

CRIMINAL PENALTIES:  While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law.  Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses.  Persons violating Indonesia’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned.   For example, in March 2008 the Indonesian parliament passed a bill criminalizing the access of internet sites containing violent or pornographic material.  Anyone found guilty of the new offense could be jailed for up to three years, or have to pay a heavy fine. 

Engaging in sexual conduct with children, using, and/or disseminating child pornography is a crime prosecutable in the United States regardless of the country where the activity occurs.  The Indonesian child protection law imposes up to 15 years in prison for those convicted of engaging in sexual contact with a child and the anti-trafficking in persons law imposes 15 years in prison for anyone engaging in sex with a victim of trafficking.   

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Indonesia are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. A life sentence or the death penalty can be given in cases of drug trafficking; several foreigners have been sentenced to death in recent years.  One U.S. citizen was given a life sentence for drug trafficking.  Indonesian prisons are harsh and do not meet Western standards. Many prisoners are required to supplement their prison diets and clothing with funds from relatives.  Medical care within Indonesian prisons, while available, is below Western standards, and access to medical testing to diagnose illness as well as medications to treat conditions, are often difficult to obtain.

Back to Top

CHILDREN'S ISSUES:  For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children’s Issues web pages.

Back to Top

REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION:   Americans living or traveling in Indonesia are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration web site so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Indonesia. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.

The U.S. Embassy is located in Jakarta at Medan Merdeka Selatan 5; telephone: (62)(21) 3435-9000; fax (62)(21) 385-7189. The Embassy's web site is http://jakarta.usembassy.gov. The consular section can be reached by e-mail at jakconsul@state.gov.  To subscribe to the U.S. Embassy Emergency Notification System, please register at http://jakarta.usembassy.gov/consular/ACSREGISTER.html. 

The U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya is at Jalan Raya Dr. Sutomo 33; telephone: (62)(31)295-6400; fax (62)(31) 567-4492; website: http://jakarta.usembassy.gov/sby/; e-mail: consurabaya@state.gov.; after-hours duty officer (62)(811)334-183. The consulate should be the first point of contact for Americans needing assistance who are present or residing in the Indonesian provinces of East Java, Nusa Tenggara Timor, Nusa Tenggara Barat, all of Sulawesi and North and South Maluku.

There is a Consular Agency in Bali at Jalan Hayam Wuruk 188, Denpasar, Bali; telephone: (62)(361) 233-605; fax (62)(361) 222-426; e-mail: amcobali@indo.net.id. The U.S. Consulate in Surabaya is an alternate contact for American citizens in Bali.

The U.S. Consulate in Medan, North Sumatra, only provides emergency assistance to U.S. citizens and does not yet have public consular hours. Americans citizens needing consular assistance in Sumatra should contact the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta.

*     *     *
This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated October 12, 2007, to update sections on Entry/Exit Requirements, Safety and Security, Medical Facilities and Health Information, Traffic Safety and Road Conditions, Aviation Safety Oversight, Special Circumstances, and Registration/Embassy Location.

Back to Top