Indonesia 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report: Surabaya
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Indonesia 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report: Surabaya
This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Consulate
General in Surabaya. OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to gain baseline knowledge of security
conditions in Bali, East Java, Sulawesi, West Timor, Nusa Tenggara Barat and Nusa Tenggara Timur, and
the Malukus. For more in-depth information, review OSAC’s Indonesia country Page for original OSAC
reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-
sector representatives with an OSAC password.
Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses
Indonesia to exercise increased caution in Indonesia due to terrorism, civil unrest and natural disasters.
Reconsider travel to Central Sulawesi and Papua due to civil unrest. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding
the Consular Travel Advisory System.
Overall Crime and Safety Situation
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Surabaya as being a HIGH threat location for crime directed at
or affecting official U.S. government interests. U.S. Consulate General Surabaya serves a Consular District
consisting of 12 provinces: East Java; Bali; West and East Nusa Tenggara; North Maluku and Maluku; and
North, Central, West, South, and Southeast Sulawesi, which together with Gorontalo make up the island
of Sulawesi. The total population of the district is approximately 75 million, out of a nationwide population
of over 260 million. Surabaya, the capital of East Java and a major industrial and port city with a population
of approximately three million, is the second largest city in Indonesia. Including the neighboring cities and
regencies of Gresik, Sidoarjo, Mojokerto, and Pasuruan, Surabaya’s extended metropolitan area has a
population of over ten million. Bali, an island province located just east of Java with a population of over
four million, is the main destination for U.S. visitors to Indonesia, with over 277,000 arriving in 2019.
Consulate Surabaya estimates over 15,000 U.S. citizen residents and visitors may be present in the
consular district at any one time.
Crime Threats
Crime threats and patterns vary across the consular district, which includes both crowded urban
environments and remote, sparsely populated areas. Although serious crime incidents have occurred,
violent crimes involving U.S. citizens are relatively uncommon. In many cases, travelers can mitigate the
crime threat by good personal security and situational awareness practices.
Motorcycle and moped thefts are among the most commonly reported crimes in Surabaya. Strong-arm
robbery and muggings, of foreign nationals, though rare, have occurred in Surabaya. Drive-by purse
snatchings, usually perpetrated by two males on a motorbike, have been reported in Surabaya and Bali.
In Lombok, foreign visitors including U.S. citizens have been the victims of armed robbery in rural areas.
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Indonesia 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report: Surabaya
Foreign visitors have been the victims of aggravated assaults. Many criminal incidents reported to the
consulate involve nightclubs in Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak in Bali. Disputes at nightclubs have escalated
to physical assaults, sometimes resulting in serious injury. Patrons leaving nightclubs have been the
victims of opportunistic violent crimes including sexual assault. Visitors should practice good personal
security, travel with friends if possible, and avoid situations where they are vulnerable to criminal
exploitation or victimization.
Foreign visitors have been the victims of serious sexual assaults in Indonesia, including in Bali. Victims
should seek immediate medical assistance. Female U.S. citizens have reported sexual assaults in the form
of groping attacks by strangers from locations across Indonesia, including East Java Province. Many of
these incidents occurred along roads, with perpetrators on foot or on motorbikes, and a few of the attacks
have resulted in injuries. Foreign visitors, especially females, should exercise caution when running or
jogging in public or along roads, and carefully evaluate the safety and security of the surrounding
environment. The same applies to staying at smaller hotels and/or villas that have limited or no physical
security or security systems. In early 2020, a foreign tourist reported a sexual assault by an unknown male
that climbed through the window of a second-floor room at the villa complex located in a popular tourist
town in Bali. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for female travelers.
Pickpocketing and other opportunistic thefts commonly occur in crowded areas, including buses and train
stations, markets, busy sidewalks, and pedestrian bridges. Many opportunistic thefts occur on public
transportation, especially buses. Do not leave luggage or personal items unattended in public or while
traveling on public transportation. To avoid opportunistic smash and grab thefts, do not leave unattended
valuables in parked cars.
Crime reports increase before the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. This is reportedly due, in part, to
the pressure of providing gifts for family members and obtaining money for the Idul Fitri holiday,
celebrated by most Indonesians.
"Drink-spiking” and drink poisoning incidents are a concern, especially in tourist areas. There have been
reports of foreign tourists and Indonesians suffering methanol poisoning from adulterated or homemade
spirits leading to serious illness and, in some cases, death. Review OSAC’s Report Shaken: The Don’ts of
Alcohol Abroad. If you or someone you are traveling with exhibits signs of methanol poisoning, seek
immediate medical attention. There have been reports of foreigners targeted by drink-spiking incidents
in clubs and nightspots, including with so-called “date rape” drugs, to facilitate crimes including robbery
and sexual assault.
Credit and debit card fraud is a serious problem in Indonesia. Safeguard credit and debit card numbers.
Avoid using credit cards for online transactions at Internet cafes and similar public venues. Monitor your
credit card activity and report any unauthorized use to your financial institution immediately. If you use
an ATM, choose one located in a secure location (a bank) and check the machine for evidence of
tampering. Be cautious when using unfamiliar ATMs, and monitor your account statements closely.
Skimming operations by transnational criminal gangs have occurred in locations including Bali and
Surabaya. The Regional Security Office recommends limiting credit card use to major hotel chains, high-
end restaurants, and well-known businesses. Multiple theft rings that had installed skimmers on ATM
machines in tourist-friendly areas such as Bali, in some cases operated by Eastern European nationals,
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were also reported to have been broken up by police. Criminals have skimmed and cloned ATM cards, and
then used the stolen account information to drain bank accounts. Review OSAC’s reports, The Overseas
Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud and Taking Credit.
Organized crime groups participate in illegal logging and fishing, human trafficking, trafficking and sale of
illicit and counterfeit drugs, and other criminal activity. Systemic corruption often impedes effective law
enforcement and prosecution of individuals accused of such crimes.
If you plan a long-term stay outside a hotel where security is unavailable, employ a guard at your residence
if possible. Keep windows and doors locked. Invest in a residential alarm system. Rent houses with window
grilles and substantial doors/locks. Train household staff to be aware of security issues. Household staff
should not allow anyone in without your permission. Review OSAC’s reports, Hotels: The Inns and Outs
and Considerations for Hotel Security
Cybersecurity Issues
Internet fraud is on the rise as use of the Internet continues to grow. Hoax news stories are an increasing
problem throughout Indonesia, the spread of which benefit from the growing popularity and widespread
use of social media platforms. In 2018 the President elevated the rank of the Head of National Cyber and
Cryptography Agency (BSSN) to Minister-level, though it remains unclear the extent to which BSSN will
focus on hoax news, if at all, or only on more traditional cybersecurity issues. Review OSAC’s reports,
Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling with Mobile
Devices: Trends & Best Practices, and Satellite Phones: Critical or Contraband?
Transportation-Safety Situation
Road Safety and Road Conditions
Road conditions vary from good to dangerously poor. Visitors will find traffic conditions extremely difficult
due to massive congestion, undisciplined drivers, and numerous motorcycles and mopeds. Additionally,
traffic flows on the left side of the road. The number of vehicles, estimated to increase by 10% per year,
far exceeds the capacity of roadway infrastructure. Road safety awareness is very low, and many drivers,
especially those on motorcycles/mopeds, disregard most traffic laws. Accidents on rented motorcycles
constitute most expatriate deaths in Indonesia, especially on Bali.
Toll roads are modern, multi-lane, and well maintained but are usually over-crowded. Most roads outside
of the major cities are single-lane and overly congested with a variety of vehicles (from 18-wheel trucks
to mopeds). It is common for vehicles to pass on either side of the road or on the shoulder, while driving
at a high rate of speed and swerving to avoid colliding with bicycles or horse/ox carts. Avoid driving at
night outside of major cities.
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Because of the unique and dangerous driving conditions, most Embassy and consulate employees,
Western expatriates, and affluent Indonesians hire personal drivers. Rental car companies offer drivers,
which in most cases will not rent a vehicle without their driver. It is imperative that American citizens
traveling in Indonesia, especially in rural/remote areas, do due diligence in confirming that travel agencies,
tour companies, and rental drivers are legitimate. Serious vehicle accidents have occurred, injuring U.S.
passengers who had contracted with unverified tour companies. The risk of accidents is higher in some of
the most beautiful parts of Indonesia because of their remoteness and the unlikelihood of obtaining
medical care quickly.
If an accident involving personal injury occurs, Indonesian law requires both drivers to wait for the arrival
of the police. Although Indonesian law requires third-party insurance, most drivers are uninsured. Even if
they are insured, it is common for insurance companies to refuse to pay damages. Authorities will likely
hold the driver of the larger vehicle liable in an accident. Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad,
Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s
webpage on driving and road safety abroad.
Public Transportation Conditions
Avoid urban mass transit platforms (i.e. buses, trains) when possible. Inter-city rail service is generally
reliable and safe, although service and conditions may vary from standards in developed countries.
Use only reputable registered taxi companies like the Bluebird Group (including Blue Bird Taxi and Golden
Bird car service), which vet their drivers and have been responsive to U.S. Consulate General Surabaya
inquiries and requests. Scams by taxicab drivers have been reported. Make sure drivers use their meters,
and make note of cab numbers and driver information. If using a car service not equipped with a meter,
be sure to agree on the price prior to entering the car. Never enter a taxi that has other passengers in it.
Never allow your taxi to stop to pick up additional passengers. Review OSAC’s report, Security In Transit:
Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.
Aviation/Airport Conditions
Several airlines provide service to Surabaya Juanda International Airport (SUB), ranging from international
carriers to discount regional providers. Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar, Bali, is a hub
with both international and domestic service. Smaller regional cities also have air service. Depending on
the routes, delays or sudden flight cancellations are not uncommon. As an island nation that relies heavily
on air transport and with varying conditions depending on the location, Indonesia has experienced
frequent transportation accidents, including plane crashes. In 2018, a Lion Air flight from Jakarta
(CGK) to Depati Amir Airport (PGK) in Pangkal Pinang crashed into the Java Sea 13 minutes after takeoff,
killing all 189 passengers and crew. Indonesia maintains a Category 1 rating from the U.S. Federal Aviation
Administration, indicating compliance by the country’s civil aviation authority with International Civil
Aviation Office (ICAO) standards.
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Other Travel Conditions
In 2018, there continued to be serious accidents involving inter-island ferries across Indonesia, often
resulting in deaths and injuries. Overcrowding is common, regulation lax, safety equipment often missing,
and adherence to safety standards often minimal.
Terrorism Threat
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Surabaya as being a HIGH threat location for terrorism directed
at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Members of a coalition of Islamist groups founded the
transnational terrorist organization Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) in 1993 with roots in the radical, anti-colonialist
Darul Islam movement of the 1940s. Indonesian JI members trained at al-Qa’ida bases in Afghanistan and
Pakistan in the 1980s and 1990s, and went on to carry out a series of significant terrorist attacks in
Indonesia, including the 2002 Bali bombing. In 2008, Abu Bakar Bashir, one of the founding members of
JI, formed splinter group Jamaah Ansharut Tauhid (JAT).
The terrorist group Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) formed in 2015 from a coalition of extremist groups
that pledged allegiance to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. The U.S. Department of State designated JAD
a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in 2017.
Many of the original wave of JI operatives have died or are in prison, but JI, JAT, JAD, other pro-ISIS
terrorist groups and sympathetic “lone wolf” individuals inspired or recruited by online contact with
extremists continue to aspire to commit attacks, especially against Indonesian police and security forces,
Indonesian government facilities, and Western interests.
Indonesian law enforcement and security officials aggressively pursue terrorist cells and have successfully
disrupted multiple aspirational plots. Indonesia cooperated on a wide range of counterterrorism efforts
with local and international partners, including the U.S. Despite these successes, violent extremist
networks and terrorist cells remain intact, and have the capacity to become operational and conduct
attacks with little or no warning, as do lone wolf-style ISIL sympathizers. INP has limited resources in terms
of its ability to monitor extremists, including returned foreign fighters and former convicted extremists
released from prison.
In May 2018 terrorist prisoners linked to JAD killed five police officers during a riot and subsequent
hostage standoff at a police pre-trial detention facility just south of Jakarta. A JAD cell in Surabaya
consisting of three families, including children, then committed coordinated suicide bombings targeting
three churches and local police headquarters. The bombings killed 15 people and injured 54. These
bombings marked the first time entire nuclear families conducted suicide bombings in Indonesia.
In response to these events, Indonesia amended its counterterrorism law. The law targets foreign terrorist
fighters by criminalizing extraterritorial fighting, preparatory acts, and material support for terrorism; and
it extends the detention period for police to gather evidence and build a case. It also states that the
Indonesian military (TNI) will have a role in domestic counterterrorism operations, although exactly what
role remains unclear.
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In July 2018, the South Jakarta District Court indicted JAD as a terrorist organization, officially banning it.
Police and prosecutors can now arrest and try extremists for any links with, or support to JAD. Police
arrested more than 375 terrorist suspects and convicted approximately 150 in 2018. Corrections officials
took steps to improve terrorist prisoner management in 2018, but the law will create more pressure on
already overcrowded prisons due to the increase in arrests and convictions.
In December 2018, suspected members of the Mujahidin Indonesia Timur (MIT) terror group active in the
mountains outside Pose, Central Sulawesi beheaded a local male and shot at two police officers who went
to recover the body in Salubose hamlet in the Parigi Moutong district of the province. This predictably
reinvigorated the joint police-military task force in Central Sulawesi at the end of 2018 that is searching
for the remaining estimated 14 or so MIT members.
Indonesian ISIS sympathizers have also traveled to the Philippines to join the so-called ISIS-Philippines
caliphate and participated in the attack on the city of Marawi in Mindanao which started in 2017. The
Philippines continues to be a potential source of weapons and location for training for Indonesian
extremists.
Bali experienced significant terrorist attacks in 2002 and 2005. The 2002 bombings at two nightclubs in
the tourist area of Kuta killed 202 people, including seven U.S. citizens. Terrorist groups targeting Western
interests continue to aspire to conduct attacks in Bali and other areas of Indonesia, including Lombok,
that are popular tourist and holiday destinations for foreigners. Extremists could carry out small-scale
violent attacks. Extremists may target official or private establishments, including hotels, bars, nightclubs,
shopping malls and markets, restaurants, and places of worship. Be aware of your personal safety and
security.
As of January 2020, the U.S. Embassy travel restriction for U.S. government personnel for the province of
Central Sulawesi continues (as well as the province of Papua, in Jakarta’s consular district). Reconsider
travel to these areas because of the possibility of terrorist attacks and civil unrest. Sumbawa in West Nusa
Tenggara province continues to experience issues with a violent, anti-government Islamic extremist
movement centered in the areas of Bima and Dompu. . Armed insurgents remain active in some remote
areas of Papua province. Evaluate local conditions carefully and review security information prior to
travel.
Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Surabaya as being a HIGH threat location for political violence
directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Demonstrations are common throughout
Indonesia, including in Surabaya. They are usually peaceful, and the police presence is generally sufficient
to maintain order. However, some demonstrations have become violent, particularly when involving
issues related to religion, labor, or land rights. Historically, issues such as U.S. foreign policy decisions in
the Middle East have sparked anti-U.S. demonstrations or labor disputes involving U.S. companies in
Indonesia. Avoid all demonstrations, since even those intended to be peaceful can become violent with
little or no advance notice. Some demonstrators because of perceived national affiliation or other factors
can potentially target foreigners for violence.
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In 2017, U.S. Consulate General Surabaya experienced a series of anti-U.S. demonstrations after the
recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Six separate events occurred in a two-week span, the
largest of which attracted more than 5,000 demonstrators. Despite heated rhetoric and the burning of
flags and tires, INP security support was excellent, and police were able to control the overall situation
and prevent any serious incidents. During this same time period, student groups demonstrated at a
McDonald’s restaurant in Surabaya immediately following a protest at the consulate general; a Kentucky
Fried Chicken restaurant in Makassar, South Sulawesi was the site of a separate protest.
Ethnic Papuan student groups supporting independence for Papua held several demonstrations outside
the U.S. Consular Agency in Bali in 2018 and 2019. These protests usually coincide with the anniversaries
of significant events in recent Papuan history. Bali also experiences periodic demonstrations relating to
local issues including land rights and economic issues. Overall, there is limited impact on tourists of these
demonstrations.
Surabaya experiences occasional incidents of violence and hooliganism related to soccer matches, often
perpetrated by supporters of the Persebaya Surabaya soccer club, known as Bonek (from Bondo Nekat,
or “reckless people”). Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.
Religious/Ethnic Violence
Localized political violence and civil unrest due to ethnic, sectarian, religious, and separatist reasons occur
across Indonesia. In Surabaya and other cities with sizeable ethnic-Chinese populations, there are
occasional incidents and concerns related to latent anti-Chinese sentiment, socioeconomic tensions, and
the belief that Chinese nationals are entering Indonesia and taking jobs from citizens. Central Sulawesi;
North Maluku and Maluku; Lombok and Sumbawa in West Nusa Tenggara Province; and West Timor in
East Nusa Tenggara Province have also experienced episodic civil unrest and political violence due to
ethnic, religious, and cultural reasons.
Post-specific Concerns
Environmental Hazards
Indonesia is located on the "ring of fire." There are active volcanoes on Java, Sumatra, the Sunda Islands
(which include Bali and Lombok), Halmahera, Sulawesi, and Sangihe, in the Banda Sea, and other locations.
Indonesia has deployed an effective volcano monitoring system, which has enabled the government to
inform the population about potential eruptions and to direct evacuations to prevent casualties.
In 2017, Mt. Agung, an active volcano in eastern Bali, entered a period of increased activity, and the
Indonesian Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation raised the mountain’s volcanic alert
to level four (warning, the highest level). The alert led to a large scale of evacuation of the population
living adjacent to the volcano (40,000 people from 22 villages around Mount Agung). It also caused
surrounding airports in Bali and Lombok to close due to eruption of significant amounts of volcanic ash. A
reduced level of tourist activity (30% decline) has had a significant economic impact on the island in recent
months. There have been a series of lesser eruptions since then, but the Alert Level decreased to 3 (on a
scale of 1-4) with the exclusion zone set at a 4 km radius.
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Although major tourist destinations and population centers in southern Bali including Kuta, Denpasar,
Nusa Dua and Ubud are well outside of the exclusion zone and projected danger areas, travelers should
prepare contingency plans in the event of large eruptions that affect arrivals or departures by air from the
island. Review OSAC’s reports, Indonesia: Increased Volcanic Activity in Bali and Volcanic Eruption on Bali
Disrupts Aviation.
Many areas of Indonesia are vulnerable to earthquakes, tsunamis, and flooding. During the rainy season,
between October and April in most parts of Indonesia, floods and mudslides affect many areas, including
Bali. Every year, flooding and mudslides displace or injure significant numbers of Indonesians, especially
in rural and remote regions.
Almost 300 earthquakes registered more than 5.0 on the Richter scale in Indonesia in 2019, according to
the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency. A series of earthquakes in July and August 2018 on
Lombok killed approximately 600 and displaced half a million people, destroying or damaging an
estimated 80% of the structures in the northern part of the island. In March 2019, an earthquake
measuring 5.6 struck Lombok, triggered a landslide, killing three and injuring more than a hundred. In
September 2018, an earthquake (including soil liquefaction) and subsequent tsunami in Central Sulawesi
killed more than 2,100 people and injured more than 10,000 while causing widespread destruction. In
December 2018, a tsunami in the Sunda Strait caused by the eruption and partial collapse of the Anak
Krakatau volcano killed approximately 450 people, injured over 14,000, and displaced approximately
34,000. According to Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), 3,622 separate natural
disaster events in Indonesia in 2019 caused 475 casualties.
Economic Concerns/ Intellectual Property Theft
Indonesia remained on the Special 301 priority watch list for intellectual property rights (IPR) protection
in 2019. Indonesia’s failure to protect intellectual property and enforce IPR laws has resulted in high levels
of physical and online counterfeiting and piracy and a lack of enforcement against dangerous counterfeit
goods. U.S. rights holders also face unfair and inequitable market access in Indonesia. Positive steps
included Indonesia’s support of industry-led efforts to develop an Infringing Website List to help
advertising brokers and networks avoid placing ads on such websites, and Indonesia becoming party to
the Madrid Protocol for the international registration of trademarks. The International Intellectual
Property Alliance estimates that approximately 87% of business software is unlicensed, while retail piracy
rates are likely higher.
The Indonesian government has signed and ratified the World Intellectual Property Organization Internet
treaties, but further clarifications of its Copyright Law are needed to implement these treaties.
Personal Identity Concerns
Indonesian law does not recognize dual nationality for adults over 18 years of age. U.S. citizens who are
also Indonesian nationals may experience immigration difficulties in Indonesia. Review the State
Department’s webpage on security for female travelers.
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LGBTI+ status or conduct is not formally illegal, but local authorities sometimes take legal action against,
or tolerate harassment of people engaging in LGBTI+ relationships or openly expressing LGBTI+
identity. Some local governments have passed laws criminalizing LGBTI+ relationships. Foreign same-sex
marriages or civil unions are not legally valid. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for
LGBTI+ travelers.
Sharia law is enforced in Aceh and may exist unofficially or through local legislation in other areas. The
law should not apply to non-Muslims or foreign visitors. Be respectful of local traditions, dress modestly,
and seek guidance from local police if confronted by Sharia authorities. Review OSAC’s report, Freedom
to Practice, and the State Department’s webpage on security for faith-based travelers.
Persons with disabilities will face severe difficulties in Indonesia as most public places and transportation
facilities do not accommodate disabled people. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for
travelers with disabilities.
Drug-related Crimes
Indonesian National Police (INP) and National Narcotics Agency (BNN) drug investigators maintained
aggressive rhetoric against drug criminals and continued to target them very intensively in 2018.
Authorities reported seizing significantly more illegal drugs in 2018 than 2017, and media reports stated
that authorities killed 47 suspected drug dealers or smugglers during 2018 raids who either resisted arrest
or tried to escape custody. This has raised concern by some human rights groups, although this reflects a
decline from the 79 killed in 2017.
Indonesian Customs, INP, and the BNN stationed at the air and seaports of major cities (e.g. Jakarta,
Surabaya, Bali, Medan) continue to arrest drug couriers. Investigation of smuggling attempts has revealed
that Indonesia has become a primary destination for drug smuggling operations controlled by Chinese,
Iranian, and West African drug trafficking organizations. Authorities have arrested and prosecuted foreign
nationals including U.S. citizens on drug-related charges. Authorities may impose the death sentence in
cases involving drug trafficking.
In December 2018, BNN stated publicly that there were 76 drug cartels in Indonesia. In addition to an
increase in methamphetamine seizures, law enforcement officials have identified and seized large
volumes of synthetic drugs (e.g., ecstasy and ketamine) and organic and synthetic marijuana. The demand
for illegal drugs remains high. INP and BNN continue to coordinate with other foreign and domestic law
enforcement agencies to attempt to stem the steady flow of illegal drugs.
Kidnapping Threat
Kidnappings involving the expatriate community are rare. Kidnappings that do occur are typically
financially motivated, and the perpetrators are usually familiar with the victim and victim's family. Review
OSAC’s report, Kidnapping: The Basics
9Indonesia 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report: Surabaya
Other Concerns
In 2019, there were 25 actual and attempted piracy attacks in Indonesian waters according to the
International Maritime Bureau, down from 36 the prior year (and lower than the 43 piracy incidents in
2017, 49 in 2016 and 108 in 2015). Most piracy incidents in Indonesian waters are now reported to be
opportunistic (for example, against isolated fishermen or anchored ships), as opposed to larger-scale
attacks against oil tanker ships.
When hiking in mountainous areas, obtain current information on local conditions, travel with a reputable
guide, have overseas medical insurance, and carry a local mobile phone. Hikers on Puncak Jaya in Papua
should have realistic primary and backup plans for climbing down the mountain. Tour operators have
abandoned climbers. Taking shortcuts through private property is trespassing and is not a safe or legal
alternative to a proper plan. If possible, register your hiking plans with local authorities and/or tourism
operators, as this helps identify your presence in these areas in the event of an emergency
Police Response
The emergency line in Indonesia is 112. You may also call 110 for police. There are also local, direct
emergency numbers in each district. Those staying for an extended period should identify the cell and
landline numbers for the nearest police station and program them into their phone. Operators are likely
to have limited English-language abilities. It is often more effective to request help in person from
Indonesian authorities rather than wait for emergency services to respond. Indonesian emergency
services, when available, are often rudimentary at best.
Indonesian police have a limited ability to respond quickly and efficiently to reports of crime and other
emergencies due to insufficient transportation, inadequate training, and limited investigative ability. Skills
are improving due to programs offered by the U.S. International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance
Program (ICITAP), Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program (ATA), the Bangkok-based International Law
Enforcement Academy (ILEA), as well as other foreign partners.
Corruption continues to be a problem, and police officers routinely augment meager salaries by accepting
payments from motorists who violate traffic laws. Police sometimes charge victims to investigate crimes
or to return recovered stolen property.
Criminal cases can take months or even years to resolve. Authorities may hold suspects without charges
for up to 60 days, and in many cases, longer. Conditions in Indonesian jails and prisons are harsh and do
not meet western standards. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines.
The sex industry, including the commercial exploitation of children, is widespread and is a key focus of
law enforcement efforts. Engaging in sexual conduct with a minor, using or disseminating child
pornography in a foreign country, including Indonesia, may constitute a crime prosecutable in the U.S.
Download the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.
10Indonesia 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report: Surabaya
Police/Security Agencies
The Indonesian National Police (INP, Kepolisian Negara Republik Indonesia, POLRI) is the national police
force and handles day-to-day traffic operations, criminal investigations, and protection of vital property
and personnel.
The National Narcotics Board (Badan Narkotika Nasional, BNN) deals with nationwide narcotics issues and
is overseen by a two-star police general. BNN is Indonesia’s equivalent to the Drug Enforcement
Administration in the U.S.
The National Counter-Terrorism Agency (Badan Nasional Penanggulangan Terorisme, BNPT) is the
national counter-terrorism agency under the Coordinating Ministry for Legal and Security Affairs. BNPT
coordinates interagency efforts to eradicate terrorism. BNPT works closely with the INP’s Special
Detachment 88 in its counterterrorism efforts.
Medical Emergencies
The medical emergency line in Indonesia is 118. Sanitation and health care conditions in Indonesia are far
below U.S. standards. Routine medical care is available in all major cities. Psychological and psychiatric
services are limited throughout Indonesia. Even in large cities, the quality of English-speaking medical
personnel will vary and there are often communication difficulties. In remote areas there may be no
English-speaking medical personnel. Find contact information for available medical services and available
air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website.
Indonesian authorities may consider some prescription drugs as illegal narcotics. The government does
not publish a list of which pharmaceuticals they consider contraband; these decisions may be arbitrary.
Avoid mailing or shipping by courier any medications to Indonesia. Indonesian authorities pay close
attention to packages containing pharmaceuticals and may detain or arrest recipients of both prescription
and over the counter medications. Only hand carry prescription medications into the country, in the
original packaging with a copy of any prescription. Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.
Local pharmacies carry a range of products of variable quality, availability, and cost. Counterfeit
pharmaceuticals are a significant risk; patronize only reputable pharmacies.
Physicians and hospitals often expect payment or sizable deposits before providing medical care, even in
emergency and/or life threatening situations. Mission employees and private U.S. citizens typically travel
to Singapore for treatment of serious medical conditions. All travelers should have travel and medical
evacuation (medevac) insurance. Air ambulance evacuations can exceed $50,000. The U.S. Department of
State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally.
Review the State Departments webpage on insurance overseas.
Ambulance services are mostly unavailable – and unreliable at best – so they should not be counted on to
transport injured persons to hospitals. Taxis or private vehicles are usually used to transport auto accident
victims to hospitals.
11Indonesia 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report: Surabaya
Air quality in Indonesia’s major cities can range from "unhealthy for sensitive groups" to "unhealthy."
Current air quality data for Jakarta can be found on the Embassy’s Air Quality page.
Tap water is not potable throughout Indonesia. Diarrheal diseases are very common throughout
Indonesia; take appropriate food and water precautions. Review OSAC’s reports, I’m Drinking What in My
Water?
Malaria, dengue, Japanese encephalitis, and Zika virus are mosquito-borne diseases in Indonesia. Prevent
mosquito bites. Malaria preventive medication is a necessity in some areas. Rabies is prevalent in animals;
avoid animal contact.
The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Indonesia.
Review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to
Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad
OSAC Country Council Information
There are active OSAC councils in Jakarta and Bali. Contact OSAC’s Asia Pacific team for more information
or to join.
U.S. Consulate General Contact Information
J1. Citra Raya Niaga No. 2
Surabaya 60217
Hours: Mon-Fri, 0730 – 1600 (by appointment only).
Website: https://id.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/surabaya/
Embassy operator: (+62) 31-297-5300
Emergency after-hours contact number: (+62) 811-334-183
Other U.S. Diplomatic Posts in Indonesia
Embassy Jakarta, Medan Merdeka Selatan 2-5, Jakarta 10110, +62(21) 3435-9000.
Consular Agency Bali, Jl. Hayam Wuruk 310, Denpasar 80235, Bali, +62(361) 233-605.
Consulate Medan, Uni Plaza Building, 4th Floor (West Tower), Jl. Let. Jend., MT, +6)(61) 451-9000.
Helpful Information
Before you travel, consider the following resources:
• OSAC Risk Matrix
• OSAC Travelers Toolkit
• State Department Traveler’s Checklist
• Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
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