How Does Crime & Safety Work in Indonesia?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Asia
1The Quick Answer
Indonesia is generally safe for tourists; petty theft and scams are the main concern in Bali; bag snatching from motorbikes occurs; do not leave valuables on beaches or in parked cars.
2What You Need to Know
Indonesia is considered relatively safe for tourists by Southeast Asian standards. Violent crime against foreigners is rare. The main risks are opportunistic theft: bag snatching by motorbike riders (especially in Kuta, Denpasar, and Jakarta markets), pickpocketing in crowded markets and on public transport, and beach theft while you swim. Leaving valuables visible in a parked car or unattended on a beach is a common way tourists lose belongings. Bali's nightlife areas (Kuta, Legian) have issues with drink spiking and aggressive touts. Terrorism risk is present — Indonesia has a history of attacks, though large-scale incidents have been rare since the 2000s.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Use your hotel safe for passports, extra cash, and electronics — never leave valuables in your beach bag while swimming
- 2Carry your bag in front of you or on the interior side when walking on busy streets to reduce motorbike bag-snatch risk
- 3In Bali nightlife areas, never leave your drink unattended and be cautious of overly friendly strangers offering drinks
Important Warning
Bag snatching from moving motorbikes is a real risk on Bali's busier streets. Keep bags held firmly with the strap across your body and the bag away from the road side when walking.
How does this compare?
Crime & Safety rules in nearby and similar countries:
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world for tourists — violent crime is essentially zero.
Thailand is generally safe for tourists, with petty theft and motorbike bag snatching the most common risks — violent crime against tourists is rare.
Singapore is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the world — violent crime against tourists is essentially nonexistent.
Traveling to Indonesia?
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