Indonesia Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Indonesia
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated April 30, 2025
Indonesia recorded 0.3 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2022, a rate that is among the lowest in the world. That places Indonesia #188 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Asia average of 2.0 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Indonesia at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
0.3 /100k
Safety Rank
#8 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2022
Homicide Rate Trend (1998-2022)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Indonesia Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Indonesia, the homicide rate for men is 2.8× higher than the rate for women — 0.4 vs 0.1 per 100,000 (2022).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Armed Conflict Context
Indonesia has recorded battle-related deaths in recent years. Conflict deaths are counted separately from homicides — a country can have a moderate crime rate but significant conflict risk, and travel advisories weigh both.
Battle-Related Deaths
57(2024)
Military Spending
0.8% GDP(2024)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Indonesia:
Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Exercise increased caution in Indonesia due to terrorism and natural disasters. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do Not travel to: The provinces of Central Papua (Papua Tengah) and Highland Papua (Papua Pegunungan) due to civil unrest. Country Summary: Terrorists continue plotting possible attacks in Indonesia. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting police stations, places of worship, hotels, bars, nightclubs, markets/shopping malls, and restaurants . Visit the U.S.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Indonesia
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated May 29, 2025).
Terrorism
Terrorist groups and individuals inspired by them are using simpler methods of attack like knives, guns, and vehicles to target crowds. They often go after unprotected or vulnerable targets at: High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists Places of worship Schools Parks Shopping malls and markets Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights) According to the Indonesian National Police, there were no terrorist attacks in Indonesia since 2022. However, visitors to Indonesia are cautioned that extremists have in the past targeted high-profile events, political rallies, police stations and places of worship.
Travel Restrictions
U.S. government personnel travel to Central Papua (Papua Tengah) and Highland Papua (Papua Pegunungan) is restricted to mission-essential travel approved in advance by the Embassy due to potential violence, civil disturbance, and political violence. There have been cases of kidnapping and murder of foreign nationals and threat of violence between groups and civil unrest continue to underlay these risks to travelers. In February 2023, a New Zealand national was taken hostage by an armed group in Paro, Papua Highlands. After over 500 days in captivity, he was released. However, in 2024 another foreign pilot was killed in Papua, and the threat of further violence and civil unrest remains. For more information, see our Terrorism page.
Violent Crimes
: In the past year, several American citizens have been victims of violent crimes in Indonesia, especially in Bali. You should remain vigilant, follow advisories, and take sensible measures to protect yourself and your belongings. Monitor bags and luggage, carry only essential items, safeguard your passport and bank cards, and avoid traveling alone. Pickpocketing, sexual assault, vehicle theft, snatch-and-grab robberies, and residential break-ins are common. Avoid isolated areas late at night and stay aware of your surroundings, especially vehicles or individuals that might be following you.
Sexual Violence
Travelers, especially those traveling alone, may face harassment, verbal abuse, and sexual assault. To reduce risk, avoid traveling alone at night, stay vigilant in less populated areas, and be cautious with strangers or new acquaintances, especially when staying in hostels or other types of communal lodging. Never leave food or drinks unattended or with strangers, and avoid accepting snacks, beverages, gum, or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as they may be drugged. Local authorities may not respond adequately to reports of sexual violence and harassment. There have been reports of serious illnesses and even deaths from "drink-spiking" and drink poisoning incidents (methanol-contaminated alcoholic drinks), especially in clubs and nightspots in urban and tourist areas. Reports of sexual assaults and drink spiking have been noted in Bali, Lombok, Gili Islands, and Sumatra.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance. Domestic violence is illegal in Indonesia; however, these laws are rarely enforced.
Victims of Crime
U.S. citizens who are victims of a crime should: Seek prompt medical assistance, if needed. Contact the U.S. Embassy at +62 21-5083-1000. Contact the local police at 112.
Crime Reporting
: It can be difficult to report crimes and receive attention from police quickly. U.S. citizens often face language barriers when reporting crimes. To initiate a criminal investigation, the victim must make a full statement to the local police in person. Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. U.S. Embassy or Consulate staff may accompany you to make a police report, but cannot serve as translators when making official statements to the police or during police interviews. U.S. citizen victims may choose to be accompanied by a translator for these processes. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .
Demonstrations
occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on politically significant holidays and during international events. Demonstrations are common in Jakarta, Surabaya, and other large cities. Avoid demonstrations and mass gatherings, as they can become violent. It is illegal for foreigners to participate in protests, and U.S. citizens have been detained for participating in protests. Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Most demonstrations are peaceful, but they do occasionally turn violent. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. Participating in demonstrations on a tourist visa can lead to deportation.
Scams
Internet romance and financial scams happen in Indonesia. Review the Department of State’s Protecting Yourself from Scams and the FBI pages for information.
Taxis and Mobile Apps
: Use a reputable taxi company such as Blue Bird or Grab, which can be booked via their apps or hired from major hotels or shopping centers. Before fully entering the taxi, match the photo on the dashboard ID with the driver and make sure there is a working meter. When booking a car via a mobile app, share your journey with a friend using the in-app option, and know the app's security contact information. Be cautious of drivers falsely claiming to be registered with ride-hailing apps.
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Indonesia Population & Demographics
Population of 283,487,931, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Indonesia safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Indonesia at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). The homicide rate of 0.3 per 100,000 is among the lowest in the world.
What is the crime rate in Indonesia?
Indonesia has an intentional homicide rate of 0.3 per 100,000 people (2022, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #188 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Indonesia?
Indonesia is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Indonesia compare to other countries?
Indonesia's homicide rate of 0.3 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Asia average of 2.0.