โš–๏ธ LEGAL RED ZONES

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ Indonesia / Bali -- Know the Law Before You Land

HIGH LEGAL RISK

Drug laws carry the death penalty. A new criminal code (2023) criminalizes sex outside marriage and insults to the President -- enforcement against tourists is unclear but the laws exist.

๐ŸŒฟ
Drugs (Including Cannabis) DEATH PENALTY

Indonesia has mandatory death penalty for drug trafficking. Possession of 5g+ cannabis: up to 12 years. Any amount of methamphetamine, heroin, or cocaine: prosecution is aggressive. The Bali Nine case (Australian nationals executed in 2015) is the reference point. Zero tolerance -- no exceptions for medical use.

๐Ÿ’‘
Sex Outside Marriage (New 2023 Law) ARREST

Indonesia's new criminal code (KUHP) effective December 2025 criminalizes sex outside marriage with up to 1 year imprisonment. Enforcement against tourists is currently uncertain but the law is on the books. Hotels may face pressure to enforce this. Monitor travel advisories.

๐Ÿ›๏ธ
Insulting the President or Government ARREST

New criminal code criminalizes insulting the President or Vice President with up to 3 years. Social media posts made while in Indonesia are subject to this law. The Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) law has been used against foreigners for online speech.

๐Ÿ‘™
Inappropriate Dress at Temples ENTRY REFUSED + FINE

Sarong and sash are mandatory at all Hindu temples in Bali. Some temples also require covered shoulders. Renting is available at temple entrances. Entering incorrectly dressed is considered religious desecration and can result in fines.

Common Fines & Penalties
Drug possession (cannabis) Up to 12 years imprisonment
Drug trafficking Death penalty
Alcohol without permit (Aceh province) Public caning (yes, really)
Temple dress code violation Fine + removal from temple
Overstaying visa USD 20/day + deportation
๐Ÿ†˜ Emergency Contacts
Police 110
Ambulance 118
Bali Tourist Police (English-speaking) +62-361-224-111
Embassy (US) (Jakarta) +62-21-5083-1000
๐Ÿ’ก Insider Legal Tip

The new 2023 criminal code is being phased in through 2025-2026. Monitor your government's travel advisory specifically for Indonesia before travel as enforcement norms are still being established.

This is general travel information, not legal advice. Laws change -- verify with your government's official travel advisory and local legal counsel before travel. US: travel.state.gov ยท UK: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Want full protection for your Indonesia / Bali trip?

Get the Indonesia / Bali Protection Kit โ†’
Browse all scam guides Free safety tools