The Embassy would like to encourage U.S. citizens to maintain increased security awareness through the holidays. During the holiday season, the Indonesian National Police will visibly increase their presence at tourist sites, churches, malls, and other public gathering places. While these arrangements are not in response to any specific threat, we nonetheless encourage U.S. citizens to follow these personal security best practices:
- Practice good situational awareness; remain actively aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded streets and shopping areas. Dress and act discreetly.
- Vary your routes and times so as not to be time or place predictable.
- Always carry a cell phone as a means of communication, and program important numbers.
- Do not flash money or jewelry, especially if alone; and only use ATMs in well-lit areas or in major hotels, malls, or banks.
- Avoid demonstrations or large gatherings, since even peaceful demonstrations can become violent quickly.
- Stick to reputable taxi companies since other forms of transportation leave you more vulnerable to crime.
- If you are in a vehicle accident, seek police and medical assistance, exchange insurance information if both parties agree and document all pertinent info and take cell phone photos even if there is only minor damage. If the situation becomes hostile, leave the scene immediately and get to a safe location such as a police station or major hotel.
- Carry a purse or backpack on or across your body and away from the curb when walking to mitigate the threat of snatch-and-grab robberies by thieves on passing motorbikes; walk with a buddy or in groups whenever possible.
- Do not leave bags unattended in malls or food courts, since thefts of wallets or other items are common; and beware of pickpockets in crowded malls or markets, near public transportation, and on pedestrian overpasses.
- If confronted by a criminal, surrender you belongings when asked—money or possessions are not worth risking injury or worse.
- If you are attacked, make noise to draw attention to yourself; never get into the motor vehicle of an assailant.
For further detailed information regarding Indonesia and travel:
- See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings and Alerts, and Indonesia Country Specific Information.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
- Follow the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta on Twitter and Facebook and the U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya on Twitter and Facebook
- The U.S. Embassy in Jakarta is located at Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan No. 5, Jakarta, and can be contacted at +62-21-3435-9055/9054, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The after-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +62-21-3435-9000 (press 0 for the operator). The American Citizens Services Unit of the Embassy email is JakartaACS@state.gov.
- The U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya is located at Jalan Citra Raya Niaga No. 2, Surabaya, and can be contacted at +62-31-297-5300 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The after-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +62-81-133-4183. The American Citizens Services Unit of the Consulate General email is SurabayaACS@state.gov.
- Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
