Security Overview for Indonesia

Crime rates are relatively high in Indonesia compared to other Southeast Asian countries. The law and order situation worsened significantly after the 1997 Asian Economic Crisis, when tens of millions of members of the country's burgeoning middle class were forced back into poverty. Petty theft is a constant concern at transport hubs, markets and other crowded public places in major cities throughout the country. The crime threat is worse at night. Violent attacks on foreigners are uncommon, but home invasions, armed robberies and murders have affected foreign visitors and expatriates - particularly in Jakarta and Bali.

Demonstrations over political, economic and social issues are common. Some rallies can draw thousands of people, and violence can occur. The frequency of violent protests has declined considerably since the early part of the decade, but avoiding large rallies is advisable, especially those that have anti-Western overtones. Protests regularly disrupt traffic in major cities. Religious strife has been a problem, although government and law enforcement intervention has largely prevented widespread conflict except in specific flashpoints, notably the Maluku provinces and Poso, Central Sulawesi. Ethnic conflict is a significant concern throughout the country, especially in areas where large numbers of migrants from Java and Madura have resettled and negatively affected the livelihoods of indigenous groups. Widespread ethnically motivated violence has occurred in Kalimantan and Papua provinces since 2000.

Insurgency has been an historical problem in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam and Papua provinces. The separatist conflict in Aceh effectively ended after a series of foreign-sponsored talks in the aftermath of the December 2004 tsunami disaster. Violence has declined considerably in Papua and West Irian Jaya provinces, but separatist unrest is continuing and skirmishes between rebels and security forces occur infrequently, typically in remote areas.

Terrorism has become a serious concern. Islamist extremists have fomented religious violence in certain areas and staged numerous bombings in cities throughout the country. In October 2002, bombings by Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) extremists killed about 200 people in Bali. The group was subsequently responsible for high-profile attacks at the J.W. Marriott Hotel and Australian Embassy in Jakarta, as well as another major attack in Bali in 2005. These attacks led to close coordination with Western intelligence agencies and an enhancement of counterterrorism capabilities that has resulted in the neutralization of many JI extremists, including a number of top leaders. The terrorism threat persists, but direct threats to corporate interests outside the petroleum sector remain low. Symbolic attacks against soft targets, including places where large numbers of expatriates or tourists congregate, are more likely than major bombings at Western embassies and prominent hotels that have hardened security perimeters.

Foreigners in high tension areas of Indonesia have been subject to arbitrary arrest, detention, deportation and false accusations of espionage. Vigilante groups opposed to U.S. foreign policy have undertaken "sweeps" to identify Westerners, particularly U.S. citizens, and order them to leave the country. Acts of intimidation and violence have been directed at foreign companies, as well as U.S., Australian and New Zealand diplomatic facilities. Indonesian security officials have sometimes been unwilling or insufficiently prepared to respond.

Kidnapping has been a very low threat for the foreign community.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.