Is it safe to travel to Indonesia as violent protests spread?

Indonesia is violent unrest across much of the country since last month. The protests, which began over anger at political privileges for lawmakers, have escalated into a national crisis.

While President Prabowo Subianto’s government has pledged to restore order, the violence has already led to fatalities, mass arrests and disruptions in several provinces.

The turmoil comes at a sensitive time for the country, which relies heavily on tourism, particularly in popular destinations like Bali, to drive economic growth.

Authorities have moved quickly to assure the world that Indonesia remains open for business and safe for travellers, even as foreign governments issue updated travel advisories.

We take a look at what exactly is happening and whether Indonesia is safe to visit right now.

Why protests erupted in Indonesia

The unrest began on August 25 when groups of demonstrators gathered outside Indonesia’s national parliament building in Jakarta.

Initial protests were sparked by revelations that parliamentarians were receiving generous housing allowances and other benefits on top of their base salaries.

These allowances reportedly pushed monthly pay for lawmakers to upwards of 100 million rupiah ($6,150) — a staggering figure in a country where minimum wages remain low.

This revelation resulted in widespread anger over perceived corruption, elitism, and the growing wealth gap between politicians and ordinary citizens.

What started as localised protests in Jakarta quickly spread to other cities. According to Indonesia’s home minister, demonstrations were recorded in 32 of the country’s 38 provinces within days.

In several regions, protests escalated into violence, with regional parliament buildings set ablaze, government property vandalised, and clashes between demonstrators and security forces turning increasingly confrontational.

The demonstrations have grown beyond their original focus, drawing in groups upset about a range of issues — from economic hardship and tax increases to anger over government spending priorities.

Analysts have noted that while the initial movement was led by student organizations, other groups have since joined in, making it difficult to identify a single leader or unifying agenda.

How protests in Indonesia turned deadly

The situation heated up dramatically on August 28, when a motorcycle taxi driver in Jakarta, who was not participating in the protests, was struck and killed by a riot police vehicle. The incident fuelled public outrage and became a symbol of grievances against law enforcement.

News of the death spread rapidly, triggering fresh waves of arson, looting, and street battles in Jakarta and beyond. Calls for police reform grew louder, as accusations mounted that security forces were using disproportionate force to quell the demonstrations.

Rights organisations documented the use of tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons in multiple locations.

Human Rights Watch, based in New York, issued a statement condemning the government’s response, saying authorities had “acted irresponsibly by treating the protests as acts of treason or terrorism.”

As of September 2, the official death toll had risen to eight people, highlighting the severity of the crisis. In Jakarta alone, at least 1,200 people were detained.

How Bali & the Indonesian tourism industry has been affected

As the protests spread, attention turned to Bali, Indonesia’s top tourist destination and a vital pillar of the national economy. Tourism accounts for over 50 per cent of Bali’s economy, and in 2024, the island welcomed 6.3 million foreign visitors, surpassing its population of 4.5 million.

Bali officials have been quick to reassure travellers and prevent the unrest from scaring away potential visitors. On August 30, demonstrations reached Denpasar, Bali’s capital city.

Protesters gathered outside the regional police headquarters and local legislative council offices, throwing stones and vandalising facilities. Security forces responded with tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Authorities arrested 158 individuals during the clashes. By the next day, 155 were released after being found to have played no major role in the unrest.

Bali Police Chief Commissioner Ariasandy confirmed that three individuals remain in custody on charges related to theft of police property and the use of Molotov cocktails, according to local media.

In response, Governor Wayan Koster led a mass gathering of Pecalang, traditional Balinese community security guards, to demonstrate the island’s commitment to keeping the tourism hub safe.

Pecalang head Nyoman Beker condemned the violence and pledged to maintain peace and order on Bali.

How Indonesia “remains open and safe”

On September 2, Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism issued an official statement designed to calm fears among international travellers and reassure potential visitors.

The ministry stated that all major tourist areas remain accessible and that security measures are in place to protect guests.

“Indonesia remains open, welcoming, and all major tourist destinations across the country are accessible. We are fully committed to providing a safe and memorable travel experience,” the statement read.

It urged travellers to “remain calm and continue enjoying their stay in Indonesia with confidence.”

The ministry also provided 24-hour emergency hotlines for travellers in need of urgent assistance:

• Halo Wonderful (Ministry of Tourism): +62 811-895-6767 or +62 21-3838-000

• Police: 110 / 112

• Fire Department: 113 / 1131

• Ambulance: 118 / 119

• Search and Rescue (SAR): 115

What foreign govts have said vis-à-vis travel

Several foreign governments have updated their travel advisories, urging citizens to remain vigilant while travelling in Indonesia.

While none have issued outright bans on visiting the country, most are warning travellers to avoid protest areas and monitor local developments closely.

• United Kingdom: The British Embassy in Jakarta urged travellers to steer clear of demonstrations, noting that protests “can become violent without warning.”

• Australia: Updated its Smartraveller advisory, highlighting the risk of disruption due to protests, including in Denpasar, Bali. It did not, however, advise Australians to cancel travel plans. Australians are a key demographic for Bali tourism, making up 23 per cent of foreign visitors in May 2025.

• United States: Alerted citizens to potential demonstrations near the Parliament Building and State Palace in Jakarta, advising them to avoid crowds and maintain communication with family members.

• Singapore: Urged nationals to stay away from rallies and register their travel plans with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for updates.

• Malaysia: Recommended postponing non-essential travel to Indonesia and advised citizens to track government announcements closely.

• Japan: Warned citizens to avoid areas near protests, particularly around Jakarta’s House of Representatives building.

• Canada: Issued a high-level advisory, warning of potential violence and announcing the suspension of in-person consular services at its Jakarta embassy from September 2 due to safety concerns.

• Germany: Noted ongoing protests across major cities including Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Makassar, and Bandung, advising citizens to stay clear of city centres and register for crisis alerts.

Safety tips for travellers

With unrest continuing, travellers are advised to exercise caution, particularly in urban areas where demonstrations are most likely to occur.

Authorities recommend the following steps:

• Avoid protest sites, government buildings, and police facilities, as these are common flashpoints.

• Monitor local news and embassy updates for changes in security conditions.

• Keep identification and emergency contact numbers on hand at all times.

• Follow instructions from local authorities and hotel staff.

• Use official transportation services and avoid travelling alone at night.

While protests have caused disruptions in multiple provinces, Indonesia’s key tourist destinations, including Bali, remain operational and accessible.

The government is taking visible steps to restore order, and local authorities are working to ensure visitor safety.

Travellers should not cancel plans outright, but they must remain alert, informed, and flexible.

By avoiding protest areas and staying updated through reliable sources, visitors can reduce their risk while still enjoying Indonesia’s attractions.

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With inputs from agencies

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