Emergency Guide for Tourists in Indonesia: Essential Contacts, Hospitals, and What to Do

Nobody plans for emergencies while travelling, but knowing what to do when something goes wrong can make the difference between a minor hiccup and a major crisis. Indonesia is generally safe for tourists, but accidents, illnesses, and unexpected situations can happen anywhere. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about handling emergencies in Indonesia, from essential contact numbers to step-by-step instructions for common scenarios.

Essential Emergency Numbers in Indonesia

Before exploring temples in Yogyakarta or beaches in Bali, save these critical numbers in your phone. Indonesia uses a centralised emergency system similar to 911 or 112 in other countries.

National Emergency Numbers

| Service | Number | When to Use |

|---------|--------|-------------|

| General Emergency | 112 | Universal emergency hotline - connects you to police, ambulance, or fire services |

| Police | 110 | Crime, theft, traffic accidents, general police assistance |

| Ambulance | 118 or 119 | Medical emergencies requiring immediate transport |

| Fire Department | 113 | Fire, rescue operations, natural disasters |

| Search & Rescue (SAR) | 115 | Missing persons, hiking accidents, maritime emergencies |

Important Notes About Calling Emergency Numbers

• You need mobile connectivity: Emergency numbers will not work on Wi-Fi only. Ensure you have an active Indonesian SIM card, eSIM with local number, or international roaming.
• Language barriers: Operators may have limited English. Speak slowly and clearly. If possible, ask a local to help make the call.
• Location is crucial: Know your exact location or nearby landmarks. In emergencies, rescue teams need precise information.
• For tourist-specific help: Some areas have tourist police units with English-speaking officers. Ask for "tourist police" when calling 110.

International Hospitals for Tourists

Indonesia has excellent private hospitals in major tourist destinations that meet international standards. These facilities typically have English-speaking staff, modern equipment, and experience treating foreign patients.

Bali

BIMC Hospital Kuta

📍 Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai No. 100X, Kuta

📞 +62 361 761263

✨ 24-hour emergency services, international accreditation, English-speaking doctors

BIMC Hospital Nusa Dua

📍 Kawasan Pariwisata Nusa Dua Lot N-1

📞 +62 361 3003900

✨ Modern facilities near major resorts, medical tourism specialist

Siloam Hospitals Bali

📍 Jl. Sunset Road, Kerobokan

📞 +62 361 8490000

✨ JCI-accredited, comprehensive specialist services

Kasih Ibu Hospital Denpasar

📍 Jl. Teuku Umar No. 120, Denpasar

📞 +62 361 3003030

✨ Established private hospital with emergency department

Bali Royal Hospital (BROH)

📍 Jl. Tantular No. 6, Renon, Denpasar

📞 +62 361 247499

✨ Central Denpasar location, full emergency services

Jakarta

Siloam Hospitals Semanggi

📍 Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 8-9

📞 +62 21 29298888

✨ Central Jakarta, international standard

RS Premier Jatinegara

📍 Jl. Raya Bogor No. 1-3

📞 +62 21 8198080

✨ Emergency trauma centre, experienced with foreign patients

Mitra Keluarga Hospitals

Multiple locations across Jakarta

✨ Network of private hospitals with 24-hour emergency care

Yogyakarta

RS Bethesda Yogyakarta

📍 Jl. Jend. Sudirman No. 70

📞 +62 274 562122

✨ Historic hospital with good facilities, English-speaking staff available

RS Panti Rapih

📍 Jl. Cik Di Tiro No. 30

📞 +62 274 565282

✨ Catholic hospital known for quality care

What to Do in Common Emergency Scenarios

Scenario 1: Lost or Stolen Passport

Losing your passport is stressful, but the process is straightforward if you follow these steps:

Step 1: File a Police Report

• Go to the nearest police station immediately
• Bring identification copies if available (driver's licence, passport photo)
• Request an official police report (surat kehilangan)
• Keep multiple copies of this report

Step 2: Contact Your Embassy or Consulate

Major embassies in Jakarta:

• United States: +62 21 3435 9000 (Jakarta)
• United Kingdom: +62 21 2356 5200 (Jakarta)
• Australia: +62 21 2550 5555 (Jakarta) / +62 361 241 118 (Bali Consulate)
• Singapore: +62 21 520 1489 (Jakarta)
• Japan: +62 21 3192 4308 (Jakarta)

Step 3: Apply for Emergency Travel Document

• Your embassy can issue an Emergency Travel Certificate or temporary passport
• Processing typically takes 1-3 working days
• Required documents: police report, passport photos, proof of citizenship

Step 4: Update Indonesian Immigration

• Visit the nearest immigration office (Kantor Imigrasi)
• Register your new travel document
• Update your visa or stay permit data
• Chat live at imigrasi.go.id for assistance

Pro Tip: Always carry a photocopy of your passport and visa separately from the original. Store digital copies in cloud storage.

Scenario 2: Medical Emergency or Illness

Minor Illness

• Visit a local clinic (klinik) for non-urgent issues
• Pharmacies (apotek) are widespread and can dispense many medications without prescription
• GrabHealth and Gojek allow medicine delivery in major cities

Serious Medical Emergency

1. Call 118 or 119 for ambulance

2. If ambulance is delayed, use Grab or Gojek transport to reach hospital

3. Contact your travel insurance emergency line immediately

4. Keep all receipts for insurance claims

Hospital Admission Tips

• Private hospitals typically require upfront payment or credit card hold
• Inform hospital if you have travel insurance - they may coordinate directly
• Ask for an itemised bill and medical report for insurance claims

Scenario 3: Theft or Crime

Indonesia is relatively safe, but petty theft occurs in tourist areas. If you're a victim of crime:

Immediate Steps

1. Report to local police (call 110 or visit nearest station)

2. Request a police report for insurance claims

3. Cancel stolen credit cards immediately

4. Use Find My iPhone or Android Device Manager for stolen phones

Common Tourist Scams to Report

• Overcharging by taxis (always use meter or Grab/Gojek)
• Counterfeit goods sold as authentic
• Timeshare or investment fraud
• ATM skimming (check machines before use)

Scenario 4: Natural Disasters

Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Be prepared for:

Volcanic Eruptions

• Follow PVMBG alerts: magma.id
• Evacuate if alert level reaches 4 (Awas)
• Wear masks if ashfall occurs

Earthquakes

• Drop, Cover, Hold On during shaking
• If near coast, move to high ground immediately after strong quake (tsunami risk)
• Follow local evacuation orders

Flooding

• Common during wet season (November-March)
• Monitor weather apps and local news
• Avoid walking through floodwater

Embassy and Consulate Contacts

Having your embassy's contact information readily available provides peace of mind. Here are contacts for major tourist nationalities:

Jakarta (Capital City)

| Country | Embassy | Phone |

|---------|---------|-------|

| United States | Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan No. 5 | +62 21 3435 9000 |

| United Kingdom | Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 75 | +62 21 2356 5200 |

| Australia | Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav. C15-16 | +62 21 2550 5555 |

| Singapore | Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Blok X-7 No. 6 | +62 21 520 1489 |

| Japan | Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 24 | +62 21 3192 4308 |

| China | Jl. Mega Kuningan No. 2 | +62 21 576 1039 |

| India | Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Block X-6 | +62 21 526 4473 |

Bali (Australian Consulate-General)

Australian Consulate-General

📍 Jl. Tantular No. 32, Renon, Denpasar

📞 +62 361 241 118

Emergency Contact Template

Before travelling, fill in this template and save it:

```

COUNTRY: Indonesia

EMERGENCY: 112

POLICE: 110

AMBULANCE: 118

MY EMBASSY: [Embassy name]

EMBASSY PHONE: [Phone number]

TRAVEL INSURANCE: [Company name]

INSURANCE EMERGENCY LINE: [Phone number]

LOCAL FRIEND/HOTEL: [Contact name]

PHONE: [Number]

```

Prevention Tips: Staying Safe

The best emergency is the one that never happens. Follow these prevention tips:

Health

• Drink bottled or filtered water only
• Use insect repellent (dengue fever risk)
• Get travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage
• Carry a basic first-aid kit

Valuables

• Use hotel safes for passports and excess cash
• Don't display expensive jewellery or electronics
• Be cautious in crowded areas (markets, public transport)

Transportation

• Use Grab or Gojek instead of unlicensed taxis
• Wear helmets on scooters (legally required)
• Check boat safety before island hopping

Communication

• Get a local SIM or eSIM with data
• Enable international roaming as backup
• Download offline maps for navigation

What to Include in Your Travel Emergency Kit

Every traveller should carry a compact emergency kit. These items take up minimal space but prove invaluable when you need them most.

Essential Documents (Keep Copies Separately)

• Passport photocopies (colour, main page and visa pages)
• Travel insurance policy details and emergency contact card
• Emergency contact list with embassy and family numbers
• Credit card photocopies (front only for security)

Medical Supplies

• Personal prescription medications (enough for trip plus extra days)
• Antidiarrheal medication (Imodium or equivalent)
• Pain relievers (paracetamol or ibuprofen)
• Antihistamines for allergies and insect bites
• Oral rehydration salts (critical for dehydration from heat or illness)
• Bandages, antiseptic wipes, and antibiotic ointment
• Motion sickness tablets for boat trips

Practical Items

• Small flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries
• Whistle for signalling in emergencies
• Emergency cash in small denominations (keep some USD as backup)
• Portable phone charger/power bank (minimum 10,000 mAh)
• Waterproof bag for documents and electronics

Communication Tools

• Unlocked phone for local SIM cards
• Written note with your hotel name and address in Indonesian
• Translation app downloaded for offline use

Common Health Concerns for Tourists in Indonesia

Understanding health risks helps you stay well and know when to seek medical help.

Food and Water Safety

Traveller's diarrhoea affects many visitors. Prevent it by:

• Drinking only bottled, boiled, or filtered water
• Avoiding ice in drinks unless you're certain of the source
• Eating freshly cooked, hot food rather than room-temperature items
• Peeling fruits and vegetables or washing with treated water
• Being cautious with street food - choose busy stalls with high turnover

Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Indonesia has cases of dengue fever, chikungunya, and occasionally malaria in certain regions. Protect yourself:

• Use insect repellent containing DEET (20-50%) or picaridin
• Wear long sleeves and trousers during dawn and dusk
• Choose accommodation with air conditioning or screens
• Use mosquito nets in rural areas or when sleeping outdoors
• Consider prophylactic malaria medication if visiting Papua or remote areas

Heat-Related Issues

The tropical climate can cause heat exhaustion and dehydration. Warning signs include headache, dizziness, nausea, and excessive sweating. To prevent:

• Stay hydrated (drink more water than you think you need)
• Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm)
• Wear light, breathable clothing
• Take breaks in air-conditioned spaces
• Apply sunscreen regularly (SPF 30 or higher)

When to Seek Medical Attention

Visit a doctor if you experience:

• High fever (above 38.5°C) lasting more than two days
• Severe diarrhoea with blood or lasting more than 48 hours
• Persistent vomiting preventing fluid intake
• Unusual rashes or swelling
• Difficulty breathing or chest pain
• Signs of heat stroke: confusion, rapid pulse, hot dry skin

Travel Insurance: Your Safety Net

Travel insurance is essential for Indonesia. Your policy should cover:

• Medical treatment and hospitalisation
• Medical evacuation (critical for remote areas)
• Trip cancellation and interruption
• Lost or stolen belongings
• Personal liability

When purchasing insurance, ensure it covers motorbike accidents if you plan to ride. Many policies exclude injuries from scooters unless you add specific coverage.

Final Thoughts

Indonesia is a welcoming country with warm hospitality, and most visits proceed without incident. However, being prepared transforms potential disasters into manageable situations. Save the emergency numbers, know the hospital locations in your destination, and keep embassy contacts handy.

Print this guide or save it offline before your trip. A few minutes of preparation can save hours of stress when you need help most.

Safe travels, and enjoy your Indonesian adventure!