A series of demonstrations in Indonesia has prompted several foreign governments to issue travel advisories for their citizens. The protests were sparked by a controversial increase in salaries and allowances for members of the House of Representatives.
The unrest escalated after a tragic incident on Thursday, 28 August 2025, when an online motorcycle taxi driver, Affan Kurniawan, was killed after being struck by a Brimob tactical vehicle. The protests have since spread across multiple cities, with reports of violence and disruption.
Countries Issuing Warnings
Malaysia
The Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta advised its citizens to avoid demonstration sites and postpone non-urgent travel.
“Malaysians are advised to monitor announcements from local governments and the media,” the Embassy said on Friday, 29 August 2025.
Singapore
The Singapore Embassy released a similar advisory urging its citizens to avoid crowds and demonstration areas.
“Singapore citizens in Indonesia must remain vigilant, follow local news, and comply with instructions from the authorities,” it said on Saturday, 30 August 2025.
View this post on Instagram
France
The French Embassy, through its official Instagram account, urged caution:
“We urge citizens to remain vigilant, exercise caution, avoid risky areas, and follow the instructions of local authorities.”
Japan
The Japanese Embassy also reminded its citizens to stay away from protest sites, particularly near the House of Representatives building.
“Please refrain from and immediately leave the location if you are near the action. Avoid police facilities,” it stated.
Australia
According to Australia’s official Smart Traveller website, Indonesia has been assigned a Level 2 advisory. Citizens are asked to exercise increased caution due to risks from large-scale protests, crime, terrorism, and natural disasters. Demonstrations have caused traffic disruption in several cities, including Denpasar, Bali.
“The public and foreign nationals are advised to avoid protest and demonstration sites and to continue monitoring local media for the latest information,” Smart Traveller explained.
United States
The US Embassy in Jakarta warned of road closures near the Mobile Brigade Headquarters in Senen and around the House of Representatives. It urged citizens to avoid protest sites, register with the Smart Traveller Enrolment Program (STEP), and prepare alternative routes.
“Citizens are also asked to remain vigilant at tourist sites and register with the Smart Traveller Enrolment Program (STEP) to receive emergency information,” the Embassy said.
Canada
The Canadian government also issued a high alert, citing political tensions and terrorism risks. The Canadian Embassy in Jakarta announced that it would suspend in-person consular services on September 2, 2025, due to ongoing demonstrations.
Germany
The German Foreign Ministry reported recurring protests since 25 August 2025, including in Jakarta, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Makassar, and Bandung. Citizens were urged to stay informed, avoid city centres and police facilities, and register with Germany’s crisis preparedness list.
What Travel Warnings/Travel Advisories Mean
Understanding Travel Advisories Levels
Governments typically use a tiered system:
- Level 1 – Exercise normal precautions: Standard travel risks apply.
- Level 2 – Exercise increased caution: Be alert to specific security risks.
- Level 3 – Reconsider travel: Avoid non-essential travel due to serious risks.
- Level 4 – Do not travel: Life-threatening risks, with limited consular support.
Steps Travellers Should Take
- Register with official traveller programmes to receive updates.
- Buy travel insurance covering medical emergencies and cancellations.
- Monitor local news and advisories from embassies.
- Avoid demonstration sites and large gatherings, particularly in city centres.
- Reconsider travel plans if warnings escalate to Level 3 or 4.
