There is a high threat from terrorism. Terrorist groups continue to plan attacks and have the capacity and intent to carry out these attacks at anytime and anywhere in the country. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. You should be particularly vigilant during holiday periods such as Easter, Christmas, Nyepi (Balinese New Year) and Independence Day (17 August). Attacks may also target Indonesian government and law enforcement interests. Terrorist attacks in Jakarta on 17 July 2009 and in Bali in October 2005 and October 2002 killed and injured a number of British nationals. See Safety and Security - Terrorism.
You should exercise caution when travelling to Aceh, Central Sulawesi Province (especially Palu, Poso and Tentena), Maluku Province (especially Ambon) and Papua Province. On 19 October 2011 there were reports that police fired warning shots during a meeting of the Papuan People’s Congress on the outskirts of Jayapura city in Abepura district, and subsequent reports of a number of casualties. You should be alert to the potential for politically motivated violence. See the Safety and Security - Local Travel.
With the exception of Garuda Airlines, Mandala Airlines (not currently operating), Airfast and Ekspres Transportasi Antarbenua (operating as PremiAir), Metro Batavia and Indonesia Air Asia, all other Indonesian passenger airlines are refused permission to operate services to the EU because Indonesia is unable to ensure that these airlines meet international safety standards. We advise you to avoid flying with Indonesian passenger airlines subject to the EU operating ban. See Safety and Security - Air Travel.
Indonesia sits along a volatile seismic strip called the 'Ring of Fire'. Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur regularly and tsunamis are possible. Visitors to the area of Ternate in North Maluku should keep clear of the area of Mt. Gamalama which has recently erupted. The eruption has caused cold lava flows into surrounding villages killing a number of people and injuring many others. The airport of Ternate has been temporarily closed. See Natural Disasters.
Outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Indonesia have led to over 100 reported human fatalities. Hospital officials reported that in October 2011 the H5N1 virus (which causes bird flu) claimed the lives of two local residents in the Bangli district of Bali. See the Health - Avian Influenza.
Possession, trafficking and manufacture of drugs are serious offences in Indonesia. Some offences carry the death penalty. Do not get involved. See Local Laws and Customs.
Around 150,000 British nationals visit Indonesia every year; the majority of these visits are to Bali (Source: Office for National Statistics (ONS)). See General - Consular Assistance Statistics. Penalties for illegal drug importation and use are severe and can include the death penalty.
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See the General - Insurance.