Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 8:48 am Post subject: Indonesia Consular Information Sheet-April 17, 2007
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Indonesia is an independent republic consisting of more than 16,500 islands spread over 3,000 miles. The country encompasses the world’s longest archipelago, spreading out 3,400 miles along the Equator. Indonesia’s total land area covers about 736,000 square miles. The main islands are Java, Sumatra, Bali, Kalimantan (Borneo), Sulawesi (Celebes), Papua, and Maluku. The capital city of Jakarta lies in the lowlands of West Java.
Read the Department of State Background Notes on Indonesia for additional information.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Indonesia and an onward/return ticket are required to enter Indonesia. Indonesian authorities regularly deny entry to Americans 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, and a few other major cities. Visas on arrival are available at a limited number of seaports but are not available at any land border crossing. Travelers 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. All airline passengers, including children, are subject to a Rupiah-denominated departure tax, which must be paid in cash. The international departure tax as of January 2007 is 100,000 Rupiah; domestic departure taxes are lower and vary by airport.
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. Travelers who overstay visas on arrival are subject to a fine of US $20 per day, as of early 2007. Indonesia strictly enforces its immigration/visa requirements. Several Westerners, including Americans, have been jailed for visa violations and overstays. Violators may also be subject to substantial fines and 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 incur a prison sentence of up to 5 years and a fine of Rp. 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.
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. 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., N.W., Washington, D.C. 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) 595-1777, New York (212) 879-0600, and Houston (713) 785-1691.
See our Foreign Entry Requirements brochure for more information on Indonesia and other countries. Visit the Embassy of Indonesia web site at www.embassyofindonesia.org for the most current visa information.
See Entry and Exit Requirements for more information pertaining to dual nationality and the prevention of international child abduction. Please refer to our Customs Information to learn more about customs regulations.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: Due to the possibility of terrorist attacks directed against American or other Western citizens and interests, the Department of State urges American citizens to evaluate carefully the risks of travel to Indonesia. The October 1, 2005, terrorist attacks in Bali, in which suicide bombers killed 20 people and injured more than 100, are a reminder that terrorists remain active in Indonesia. The possibility of future attacks in Bali, Jakarta, or other areas of Indonesia cannot be ruled out.
Terrorist attacks in Indonesia could occur at any time and could be directed against any location, including those frequented by foreigners, as well as identifiably American or other Western facilities or businesses in Indonesia. Such targets could include but are not limited to places where Americans and other Westerners live, congregate, work, study, shop, or visit, including hotels, clubs, restaurants, shopping centers, identifiably Western businesses, housing compounds, transportation systems, places of worship, schools, or public recreation events. While past terrorist attacks have involved the use of vehicle-borne explosives or suicide bombers carrying explosives in backpacks, terrorists may use other forms of attack in the future. Terrorists may target individual American citizen residents, visitors, students, or tourists, and tactics could include but are not limited to kidnapping, shooting, or poisoning.
In addition to the October 1, 2005, bombings in Bali, several other serious terrorist incidents occurred in Indonesia in recent years. A terrorist bombing outside the Australian Embassy in Jakarta on September 9, 2004, killed eleven and injured more than 180 people. An August 2003 terrorist bombing at a major international hotel in Jakarta killed 12 persons and injured scores, including several American citizens. A terrorist attack in Bali in October 2002 killed 202 people, including seven Americans. Suicide bombers wearing explosives in vests or backpacks carried out the October 1, 2005, bombings in Bali. Prior terrorist attacks involved the use of vehicle-borne explosives.
The U.S. Mission in Indonesia restricts U.S. government employees' travel to certain areas of the country and, at times, denies them permission to travel to specific locations. As of early 2007, employee travel to the provinces of Aceh, Papua, Central and South Sulawesi, and Maluku requires the concurrence of the Embassy’s Regional Security Officer. Americans seeking the latest travel restriction information may contact a consular office. The U.S. Mission can occasionally suspend service to the public, or close, because of security concerns; in these situations, it will continue to provide emergency services to American citizens.
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 who choose to vacation in Indonesia despite the security risks are advised to consider the level of preventive security when choosing hotels, restaurants, beaches, entertainment venues, and recreation sites.
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 the 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 at http://travel.state.gov where the current Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, including the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, 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.
CRIME: Indonesia has a high crime rate. Crimes of opportunity such as pick pocketing and theft occur throughout the country. Americans in Jakarta and Surabaya are advised to engage a taxi either from a major hotel queue or by calling a reputable taxi company, rather than hailing one on the street. Passengers should only use taxis in which the driver’s identification and taxi company information are posted prominently in the taxi. Taxi robberies conducted by criminals in taxis painted to look similar to taxis from reputable companies occur regularly in Jakarta; 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. These groups have on occasion threatened to mount hunts for Americans and members of certain religious groups to demand they leave the country. 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 avoid using credit cards, if possible, and 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.
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 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.
Maritime piracy is a persistent and growing 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 their local port agent.
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 .
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 Singapore or Australia, the closest locations with acceptable medical care, 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 at 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. While human cases of H5N1 remain extremely rare, more than 80 people have died of H5N1 in Indonesia since 2004. Travelers are strongly 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 WHO and CDC are posted on the U.S. Embassy website at http://jakarta.usembassy.gov/.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith/en.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please see our information on medical insurance overseas .
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 totally 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 exceed the capacity of existing roadways to handle the traffic. 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 rarely wear helmets. Accidents on rented motorcycles constitute the largest cause of death and serious accident among foreign visitors to Bali.
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, before stopping, it may be advisable to drive to the nearest police station to seek assistance.
AVIATION SAFETY AND SECURITY OVERSIGHT: Based on publicly available information, including the results of a recent 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 internet website at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.
Indonesian civil aviation continues to experience air incidents and accidents, including three crashes with fatalities between September 5, 2005, and March 7, 2007. Incidents included hard landings, collapsed landing gear, and planes veering off the runway. On March 22, 2007, the Indonesian government released the results of an operational performance assessment for all domestic air carriers; no Indonesian air carrier was found to meet minimum civil aviation safety standards. The Indonesian government did not provide information about its assessment criteria or methodology; however, a list of the air carriers and their safety categories can be found in the April 2007 Warden Message posted on U.S. Embassy Jakarta’s website at www.usembassyjakarta.org. 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.
In December 2005, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that the Bandara Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, Indonesia, does not meet international security standards. The U.S. carrier that flies directly between the United States and Indonesia is temporarily providing additional security measures that counter the deficiencies identified at the airport. TSA representatives will continue to work with Indonesia and to assist local authorities with correcting security deficiencies at the airport as quickly as possible. For more information regarding this action, travelers may visit the Transportation Security Administration’s Internet web site at http://www.tsa.gov/press/releases/2005/press_release_0642.shtm.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:
Natural Disasters: Indonesia’s geographic location and topography make the country prone to natural disasters. 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. 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 cell 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, as every year several Americans die in accidents while participating in such activities. Surfers and divers should be aware that local fishermen in coastal waters off Sumatra may use explosives to facilitate catching quantities of fish, although this practice is illegal in Indonesian waters.
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 be treated as criminal cases in Indonesia. It is often difficult 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. 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. Regulations for implementation of the new law have not yet been promulgated. 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 operation 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, one ferry 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 temporary importation into, or export from, Indonesia of items such as prescription medicines and foreign material or videotapes. 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. In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products are illegal and bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeiture and/or fines. Please see our information on Customs Information.
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. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Indonesia are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. The death sentence 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, is often difficult to obtain.
Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States. Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: There have been several recent cases of parental child abduction in Indonesia. While each case is different, Indonesian courts and police typically have not recognized valid U.S. sole custody decrees. Indonesia is not a signatory to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.
For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children’s Issues website.
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 website 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. Consulate General in Surabaya is at Jalan Raya Dr. Sutomo 33; telephone: (62)(31) 568-2287/8; fax (62)(31) 567-4492; e-mail: consurabaya@state.gov. The consulate should be the first point of contact for Americans needing assistance who are present or residing in the Indonesian provinces of: East and Central Java, Yogyakarta, 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.
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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated December 28, 2005, to update sections on Country Description, Entry/Exit Requirements, Safety and Security, Crime, Medical Facilities and Health Information, Traffic Safety and Road Conditions, Aviation Safety Oversight, Special Circumstances, Criminal Penalties, Children’s Issues, and Registration/Embassy Location _________________ Asia Expats Forum Expat Friends Dating
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