INDONESIA
Crime & Safety
Foreign fatalities resulting from the suppression of independence
movements in Irian and Timor, and the urban violence which surrounded
the political and religious upheavals of the last couple of years,
all undermine the idea that Indonesia is a safe place to travel.
However, it's also true that serious incidents involving Westerners
are rare. Petty theft , however, is a fact of life, so don't flash
around expensive jewellery or watches. Don't hesitate to check
that doors and windows - including those in the bathroom - are
secure before accepting accommodation ; if the management seems
offended by this, you probably don't want to stay there anyway.
Some guesthouses and hotels have safe-deposit boxes.
If you're unlucky enough to get mugged , never resist and, if
you disturb a thief, raise the alarm rather than try to take them
on. Be especially aware of pickpockets on buses or bemos, who
usually operate in pairs: one will distract you while another
does the job. Afterwards, you'll need a police report for insurance
purposes. In smaller villages where police are absent, ask for
assistance from the headman. Try to take along someone to translate,
though police will generally do their best to find an English
speaker. You may also be charged "administration fees",
the cost of which is open to sensitive negotiations. Have nothing
to do with drugs in Indonesia. The penalties are tough, and you
won't get any sympathy from consular officials. If arrested, ring
your embassy immediately.
Emergency phone numbers
Police: 110 Ambulance: 118 Fire: 11
Medical
Care & Emergencies
If you have a minor ailment, head to a pharmacy ( apotik),
which can provide many medicines without prescription. Condoms
( kondom) are available from pharmacists. Only in the main tourist
areas will assistants speak English; in the village health posts,
staff are generally ill-equipped to cope with serious illness.
If you need an English-speaking doctor ( doktor) or dentist (
doktor gigi) seek advice at your hotel (some of the luxury ones
have an in-house doctor) or at the local tourist office. You'll
find a public hospital ( rumah sakit) in major cities and towns,
and in some places these are supplemented by private hospitals,
many of which operate an accident and emergency department. If
you have a serious accident or illness, you will need to be evacuated
home or to Singapore, which has the best medical provision in
Asia. It is, therefore, vital to arrange health insurance before
you leave home .
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