How Does Local Laws Work in Indonesia?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Asia
1The Quick Answer
Indonesia has some of the world's strictest drug laws including the death penalty for trafficking; Aceh province follows Sharia law; a 2023 criminal code restricts sex outside marriage.
2What You Need to Know
Drug offences in Indonesia are treated with extreme severity — trafficking carries the death penalty and possession leads to lengthy imprisonment. Multiple foreigners are on death row in Indonesia for drug-related offences. Indonesia's 2023 Criminal Code introduced new provisions restricting sex outside marriage and cohabitation, though enforcement against tourists remains unclear. Aceh province in northern Sumatra operates under Sharia law with its own rules on dress, alcohol, and public behaviour that differ significantly from the rest of Indonesia. Disrespecting religion or religious figures is a criminal offence under blasphemy laws.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Never carry any quantity of drugs into or within Indonesia — even trace amounts can result in arrest and prosecution
- 2If visiting Aceh, research the local Sharia-based regulations before you go — dress codes and alcohol rules are strictly enforced there
- 3Disrespecting Balinese temples, Islamic mosques, or religious figures — even online — can result in arrest under blasphemy laws
Important Warning
Indonesia's drug laws are among the harshest in the world. The death penalty has been carried out on foreign nationals. Do not carry, buy, or use any illegal substances under any circumstances.
How does this compare?
Local Laws rules in nearby and similar countries:
Japan has strict drug laws, zero tolerance for drunk driving, and laws against jaywalking in some areas. Ignorance is not a defense.
Never disrespect the monarchy. Drug laws are extremely strict. It is illegal to criticize the King. Dress codes apply at temples.
Singapore enforces laws very strictly. Chewing gum is banned for sale. Drugs carry the death penalty. Littering and jaywalking are heavily fined.
Traveling to Indonesia?
You might also need:
More About Indonesia
Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated — 10% at tourist restaurants, 20,000–50,000 IDR for guides and drivers, though service charge is often already included.
Updated 2025-06
Gojek and Grab (motorbike or car) are essential apps; Jakarta has TransJakarta BRT and a commuter rail network; Java has excellent intercity trains; Bali has no reliable public transport.
Updated 2025-06
BIMC and SOS Medika serve Bali tourists; Siloam Hospitals are reliable in major cities; medical evacuation insurance is critical, especially for Bali where motorbike and surf injuries are very common.
Updated 2025-06
Police: 110; Ambulance: 118 or 119; Fire: 113; Tourist Assistance Hotline: 1500-454.
Updated 2025-06
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples and mosques; sarongs are required at Balinese temples and usually provided; bikinis are fine at beaches; dress more conservatively in non-tourist Muslim-majority areas.
Updated 2025-06
Alcohol is freely available in Bali and tourist areas but restricted or absent in many parts of Java; Aceh is completely dry; fake arak and methanol spirits have caused tourist deaths.
Updated 2025-06
⚖️ See Local Laws rules in all countries
Compare all countries →