Local Laws

LOCAL LAWS

When visiting other countries, it is customary to pay close attention to the local laws that apply, Indonesia is no exception. As a country of diversity with an abundance of different cultures, laws, and customs to honour, respect and comply with, Travellers who plan to visit Indonesia must follow these local laws & customs to avoid any trouble or mishaps.

DRUGS

What is the penalty for drug possession and trafficking in Indonesia?

Like in many countries, Indonesia has Capital Punishments for Possession and Trafficking of illegal drugs.

Possession is punishable by 4 to 12 years of imprisonment and IDR. 800 million to IDR. 8 Billion (US$89,600 to US$896,000) worth of fines. If the drugs exceed 1 kilogram (for raw drugs like marijuana) or 5 grams (for processed drugs like heroin and cocaine), a maximum punishment of life imprisonment may be imposed.

Trafficking is punishable by 5 to 15 years of imprisonment and fines of IDR One Billion to Ten Billion (US$112,000 to US$1.2 million). If the volume of drugs exceeds 1 kilogram (for raw drugs) or 5 grams (for processed drugs), the death penalty may be imposed!

SMOKING

Is Smoking Allowed in Indonesia?

Smoking is prohibited in public places, such as Healthcare Facilities, Educational Facilities, and Places of Worship. Smoking is also prohibited in Public Transport. Children’s Outdoor or Indoor Facilities are also a smoke-free zone. Designated smoking areas are a must in other types of public places and office buildings.

How Many Cigarettes Can I Bring to Indonesia?

Travellers could bring a maximum of 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 100 grams of tobacco and a reasonable amount of perfume per adult.

DRINKING

Is alcohol legal in Indonesia?

As a country with Muslims as the majority, alcohol drinking is prohibited by the laws of the religion and frowned upon. However, since Indonesia is a country with diverse cultures and religions, currently there are no alcohol bans being enforced in Indonesia, with the exception of Aceh.

Drinking is also prohibited in most Public Places such as Worship Places, Workplaces, Schools, Malls, Supermarkets, Minimarkets, Outdoor/Indoor Public Space, and other places where there are a lot of people/crowd in the area. Also prohibited, driving while under the influence of alcohol. Don’t drink and drive!

What is the drinking age in Indonesia?

The legal age for drinking in Indonesia is 21 years old. Those who are caught drinking outside the legal age will face serious punishment or charges from the authorities.

OVERSTAYING

What Happens if I overstayed in Indonesia?

Indonesia’s law on immigration for overstayed Travellers is no more than 60 days. Those who overstay within the 60 days period will have to pay a daily fine of IDR up to IDR. 1 Million per day. Those who overstayed more than 60 days will face deportation and possible blacklisting.

DRIVING

Can Foreigners Drive in Indonesia?

Foreigners can drive using an international driving permit that has been issued in Indonesia, as well as a driver's license from the individual’s home country. Alternatively, foreigners can have the international driving permit issued in their home country before they leave, but this may need to be endorsed by the Indonesian licensing office in Jakarta once they arrive.

What is the Age Limit to Drive in Indonesia?

The age limit to drive in Indonesia after obtaining the Indonesian driving license issued by the Indonesian National Police (Polri) is 17 years old.

What is the speed limit in Indonesia?

In Indonesia, people drive on the left-hand side of the road, and standard international driving laws apply. The speed limit is 50kph in urban areas in Indonesia, and 100kph on a motorway, but the only proper motorways in the country are in Java.

GAMBLING

Is Gambling Legal in Indonesia?

Gambling is prohibited in Indonesia, it is considered completely illegal for both locals and foreigners. There are no proper casinos in the country, and those who practice gambling may find severe punishments by authorities and thrown to jail.

WHAT IS THE EMERGENCY HOTLINE IN INDONESIA?

Indonesia has different systems for landlines and mobile phones: landlines use area codes, while mobile phones do not. For landline area codes, the digit "0" is added in front when dialling domestic long distance from within Indonesia, but is always omitted when calling from abroad. Here are some important numbers/hotline for Police Assistance in case you need assistance on a matter:

Emergency Numbers

• Police/General Emergencies: 110 or 112(From Satellite and Mobile Phones)
• Ambulance and Medical Emergencies: 118 or 119
• Firefighter: 113
• Search and Rescue (BASARNAS): 115
• Natural Disaster Assistance: 129

Useful Numbers:

• International Phone Number Information: 102
• Local Phone Number Information: 108
• Domestic Call Operator: 100 and 106
• International Call Operators: 101 and 107

Tourism Information:

• Bureau of Public Communication of the Ministry of Tourism: +62 21 3838899

Important note for foreigners visiting Indonesia, be sure to carry your passport with you at all times as a form of identification as a precaution measures. Chances are you won't need it, but there is always a chance that you may be required to do so.