Car hire Indonesia - Crime

Book car rentals in Indonesia now!

Crime

CRIME: Indonesia has a high crime rate. Credit card fraud is a growing problem as are robberies. Minor crimes, such as pick pocketing and theft, occur in popular tourist sites throughout the country. A common criminal technique is to puncture automobile tires so that the occupants can be robbed while changing the tire. Thefts and robberies from cars stopped at traffic lights have been reported on occasion. American citizens are advised to keep car doors locked and windows rolled up. Americans in Jakarta and Surabaya are also advised to engage a taxi either from a major hotel queue or by calling a taxi company, rather than hailing one on the street. Poachers and illegal loggers operating in Indonesian parks and nature preserves have threatened researchers, tourists and others in order to discourage foreign presence in those areas.

Claiming to act in the name of religious or moral standards, certain extremist groups have, on occasion, attacked nightspots and places of entertainment. Most of these attacks have been aimed at property destruction rather than injury to individuals. However, in November 2000 similar groups attacked an international HIV/AIDS conference in Yogyakarta, injuring 25, including two foreigners. These groups have on occasion threatened hunts for Americans and members of certain religious groups to demand they leave the country.

A number of racially motivated incidents of harassment have occurred over the last several years. Persons of African descent, including American citizens, may be subject to arbitrary stops and questioning by both private and public security officials. There are several credible reports that such incidents have led to harassment and physical abuse. To minimize the risk of an incident with local law enforcement authorities, Americans should carry photocopies of their passports at all times. If stopped and detained, Americans should attempt to comply with all instructions from law enforcement officers, but also make it clear that they are American citizens and that they wish to contact the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate General. Any incidents should be reported to the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate General immediately.

Maritime piracy is a persistent and growing problem in Indonesian waters, targeting primarily commercial vessels. The majority of piracy attacks occur in the Straits of Malacca between the Riau Province and Singapore and in the waters north of Sulawesi and Kalimantan. Before traveling by ship in these areas, passengers are advised to review the current security situation with their local agent.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

U.S. citizens should exercise prudence when scuba diving, surfing and snorkeling, and when visiting remote tourist locations, as every year several Americans die in accidents while participating in such activities.

U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad for ways to promote a trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, and via the Internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs web page at http://travel.state.gov.