Indonesia and East Timor - Consular Information Sheet

January 13, 2004

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Indonesia is an independent republic consisting of more than 13,500 islands spread over 3,000 miles. Indonesia’s economy is developing, and tourist services are plentiful in the major tourist areas.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A passport valid for at least six 6 months and an onward/return ticket are required. All American visitors to Indonesia need to obtain a visa. Travelers may apply for a visa at the Indonesian Embassy in Washington, D.C. or at the airport upon arrival. Visitors may be granted a 3-day visa for a $10 fee or a 30-day visa for a $25 fee. Visa fees are subject to change and travelers are encouraged to check with the Indonesian Embassy before departure to ascertain current fees. Both visas are non-extendable, and travelers must exit the country for at least 2 weeks before they can return. A visitor's visa for business purposes and social/cultural stays of longer duration require a letter of intent/sponsorship from the employer and/or sponsor. Visa fees are subject to change and travelers are encouraged to check with the Indonesian Embassy before departure to ascertain current fees. For up-to-date information, contact the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia: 2020 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 (202/775-5200; Internet, www.embassyofindonesia.org. You may also contact the nearest Indonesian Consulate General: CA (213) 383-5126 or (415)474-9571, IL (312) 595-1777, NY (212)879-0600 or TX (713)785-1691.

Indonesia strictly enforces its immigration/visa requirements. Several Westerners, including Americans, have been jailed for visa violations. Violators may also be subject to substantial fines. Please consult the Criminal Penalties section below for further information.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child’s travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian if not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.

DUAL NATIONALITY: Indonesian law does not recognize dual nationality. 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 as Indonesian citizens. For additional information, consult the Consular Affairs Bureau’s web site at http://travel.state.gov for our Dual Nationality flyer.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: Indonesia is experiencing an ongoing terrorist threat. A series of bombings over the past two years has struck religious, political, and business targets in a variety of locations in Indonesia. The potential remains throughout Indonesia for violence and terrorist actions against U.S. citizens and interests; the Marriott Hotel in Jakarta on August 5, 2003 and a tourist area of Bali on October 12, 2002, were the scenes of major terrorist attacks. U.S. citizens were injured or killed in both of these incidents.

The Jemaah Islamiyah organization, designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, is an extremist group known to have cells operating in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, and is known to have connections with al-Qaeda. The terrorist attacks in Jakarta and Bali, which took place in areas with large numbers of foreign tourists and expatriates, clearly indicate that a security threat extends to private citizens. The U.S. Government believes extremist elements may be planning additional attacks targeting U.S. interests in Indonesia, particularly U.S. Government officials and facilities.

As security is increased at official U.S. facilities, terrorists will seek softer targets. These may include facilities where Americans and Westerners are known to live, congregate, shop, or visit, especially hotels, clubs, restaurants, shopping centers, housing compounds, transportation systems, places of worship, schools, or outdoor recreation events. Bombings have been an ongoing problem over the past two and a half years and have struck religious, political, and business targets. In April 2003, a bomb exploded at the Jakarta international airport. Americans should avoid political demonstrations, which have the potential to turn violent.

On May 19, 2003, the Indonesian government declared martial law in Aceh and launched significant military operations in response to the ongoing separatist conflict between the Indonesian military and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM). The Indonesian government has warned all foreigners to leave Aceh and gave notice that this conflict could result in terrorist attacks outside Aceh, particularly in urban areas where security forces are on a higher state of alert. Because of the hostilities, at least one foreigner was killed and one wounded by security forces. American citizens are strongly urged to avoid traveling to Aceh, and those already present should leave immediately.

There is a risk of kidnappings by the Abu Sayyaf Group, a terrorist/criminal organization, in the border areas of Indonesia near Malaysia and the Philippines. The Abu Sayyaf Group has previously carried out kidnappings in Malaysia and the Philippines, and the group also has the operational capability to do so in Indonesia.

In addition to terrorism, there is potential for violence and unrest; both can erupt without warning. Sectarian, ethnic, communal (inter-intra group) and separatist strife, and violence are ongoing threats to personal safety and security in various areas, including Maluku, North Maluku, Central Sulawesi, Papua and West Timor. Papua’s separatist conflict can become violent. In August 2002, two U.S. citizens were killed near Timika in circumstances that have raised suspicions of official involvement.

Americans who travel to Indonesia should keep a low profile, varying times and routes for all required travel, remaining acutely aware of their immediate environment. The U.S. Mission in Indonesia may occasionally suspend service to the public, or close, because of security concerns. In these situations, the Embassy and Consulate will continue to provide emergency services to American citizens.

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 health care infrastructure make it extremely difficult for the Embassy to respond to U.S. citizen emergencies. In addition, many parts of Indonesia (including many tourist destinations) are isolated and difficult to reach via available transportation modes and/or communication links.

Travelers should consult the most recent Travel Warning for Indonesia for updated information on travel conditions within the country. Public Announcements and Travel Warnings can be found on the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ home page at http://travel.state.gov.

CRIME: Indonesia has a high crime rate. Credit card fraud is a growing problem as are robberies. Minor crimes, such as pick pocketing and theft, occur in popular tourist sites throughout the country. A common criminal technique is to puncture automobile tires so that the occupants can be robbed while changing the tire. Thefts and robberies from cars stopped at traffic lights have been reported on occasion. American citizens are advised to keep car doors locked and windows rolled up. Americans in Jakarta and Surabaya are also advised to engage a taxi either from a major hotel queue or by calling a taxi company, rather than hailing one on the street. Poachers and illegal loggers operating in Indonesian parks and nature preserves have threatened researchers, tourists and others in order to discourage foreign presence in those areas.

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 been aimed at property destruction rather than injury to individuals. However, in November 2000 similar groups attacked an international HIV/AIDS conference in Yogyakarta, injuring 25, including two foreigners. These groups have on occasion threatened hunts for Americans and members of certain religious groups to demand they leave the country.

A number of racially motivated incidents of harassment have occurred over the last several years. Persons of African descent, including American citizens, may be subject to arbitrary stops and questioning by both private and public security officials. There are several credible reports that such incidents have led to harassment and physical abuse. To minimize the risk of an incident with local law enforcement authorities, Americans should carry photocopies of their passports at all times. If stopped and detained, Americans should attempt to comply with all instructions from law enforcement officers, but also make it clear that they are American citizens and that they wish to contact the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate General. Any incidents should be reported to the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate General 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 ship in these areas, passengers are advised to review the current security situation with their local agent.

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, to 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.

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.

U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad for ways to promote a trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, and via the Internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs web page at http://travel.state.gov.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: 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. 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 payment for health services.

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 if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ web site.

OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: 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); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC’s Internet site at www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s website at www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at www.who.int/ith.

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, awareness of 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 the country, motor vehicles share the roads with other forms of transportation such as bicycle pedicabs, horse and ox carts, and pushcarts.

Although Indonesia has a seat belt law requiring 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 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 upper class Indonesians often use professional drivers. All car rental firms provide drivers for a nominal additional fee.

Driving at night can be extremely dangerous outside of major urban areas. Drivers often refuse to use their lights, and most rural roads are unlit. Sometimes, residents in rural areas use road surfaces as public gathering areas, congregating on them after dark. At least one American citizen was involved in a fatal accident when his car hit a group lying on an unlit stretch of road.

When an accident 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. If a pedestrian is injured, the driver of the vehicle is normally expected to assist in transporting the injured party to the hospital because Indonesian ambulance services are unreliable. In cases of traffic accidents resulting in death, it is not uncommon for bystanders to attack the driver perceived to be responsible. This is more common in rural areas and in accidents involving Indonesian drivers, but crowds at the scene of an accident have occasionally attacked expatriate drivers. When an accident occurs outside a major city, it may be advisable to drive to the nearest police station before stopping.

For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, please see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html. For specific information concerning Indonesian driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, please contact the Indonesian National Tourist Organization via the Internet at www.indonesia-tourism.com. Please see also road safety information from the U.S. Embassy home page at http://jakarta.usembassy.gov.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Indonesia’s civil aviation authority as Category 1 –- in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Indonesia’s air carrier operations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA’s Internet website at www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.cfm.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact DOD at (618) 229-4801.

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. American 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.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: With regard to visa violations, the Indonesians have detained people for conducting business, academic, or other non-tourist activities while in tourist visa status. Penalties for such immigration/visa violations incur a prison sentence of up to 5 years and a fine of 25 million Rp. We encourage you to contact the Embassy or Consulate General of Indonesia, whichever is nearest to you, should you have visa questions.

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 Indonesian laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Indonesia are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. The death sentence can be given in cases of drug trafficking, and one U.S. citizen was given a life sentence for trafficking.

CONSULAR ACCESS: 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.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: 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. In many cases, it is difficult to resolve trade disputes. For more information, please refer to the 2003 Country Commercial Guide for Indonesia at www.usembassyjakarta.org/ccg/ccg.html.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS: Indonesia is located in an area of high seismic and volcanic activity. During the rainy season, roughly October-April, there may be flash floods and landslides throughout the country. In November 2003 over 100 people, including several foreigners, were killed in a flood near Bukit Lawang, a tourist area in North Sumatra. In January 2002, floods crippled Jakarta for several days and killed over 50 people, and in February 2003 the city flooded again but without casualties. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available via the Internet from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at www.fema.gov/.

CHILDREN’S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or telephone the Overseas Citizens Services call center at 1-888-407-4747. The OCS call center can answer general inquiries regarding international adoptions and will forward calls to the appropriate country officer in the Bureau of Consular Affairs. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-317-472-2328.

REGISTRATION/EMBASSY AND CONSULATE LOCATIONS: Americans living in or visiting Indonesia are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Indonesia and obtain updated information on travel and security within Indonesia. 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. U.S. citizens can register online at http://jakarta.usembassy.gov/consular/onlinereg.html. To subscribe to the U.S. Embassy Emergency Notification System, please register at http://jakarta.usembassy.gov/consular/Mailwarden.html

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 Amcits in Bali.

The U.S. Consulate in Medan closed in May 1996. American citizens needing assistance in Sumatra should contact the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta.

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated October 10, 2003 to add a section on Disaster Preparedness and update sections on Entry Requirements and Safety and Security.

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