Is Indonesia a safe country for a white-Christian to travel in?
2006-11-02 15:00:06 · 18 answers · asked by GiantGreen 2 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Indonesia
It depends on what part of the country you are going to. It is always recommended that you travel in a group, for safety reasons, regardless of what country you are going to.
I was recently in Bali and Surabaya and didn't have any problems, but if you are going to go to places like Maluku, I would strongly discourage it. Stick to Bali and the island of Java and you should be fine.
As with being in any foreign country, be aware of your surroundings and keep your head up and eyes open. Make a conscious effort to go only to public places and be super careful if you are going to be out at night. Don't forget to learn the common courtesy words, please thank you and no (tidak) in bahasa Indonesia. Also be respectful of their culture and traditions. They are gracious people and kind as well, but there are always those that are looking to take advantage of a person.
If you want to arrange travel to one of these places and need assistance contact me and I can give you the name and email address of an Indonesian travel agent. My husband is Indonesian and she is a friend of the family. She lives in Surabaya and she also speaks English, so she can help with planning and tour guides if you'd like.
2006-11-02 18:20:33 · answer #1 · answered by kross2442 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Having just lived in Indonesia for 1 and a half years (and traveled very widely in that time) I have to disagree with most of the answers below.
Almost all of the country is completely safe and Indonesians are a very friendly and curious people.
There are areas you should avoid such as Ambon and the Malukus but if you are just planning to vist the main Islands (Java, Bali Sumatra) you will have no problem.
I felt as safe in Indonesia as I do anywhere else in the world and the people are amongst the friendliest I have come across having lived and visited more than 30 countries. P.S I am an Anglo Australian.
I only left Indonesia in August and wonder how many of the people saying it is not safe for you to travel there have actually been.
2006-11-02 21:12:29 · answer #2 · answered by camsean73 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i too wonder, how many of those who have said it is unsafe have truly travelled indonesia with an open mind & keen interest. i am a chinese and female & i have been exploring indonesia alone a couple of times. my most recent trip is to banda & kei islands at maluku. this country is safe. the people are very friendly and warm. they love tourists, regardless of your skin colour, gender, race, nationality or religion.
indonesia isn't as violent a place as what the media has pictured it to be. life goes on peacefully here like all other places in other countries for the common folks, albeit at a much slower pace. i guess the only areas u need to avoid at the moment will be central sulawesi, poso region and timor & maybe iran jaya (not the entire iran jaya tho).
this country has so much to offer. it really is gorgeous. u should check it out! & indonesia is so big. it is more than just bali. infact, after u've seen the other places, beaches, bali pales in comparison, especially now that it has become so touristy.
as with all forms of travelling in any countries, it comes with some amount of risk & luck. u may be blessed. u may be unlucky. so it's up to u if u want to take your chances. but really, i'm sure u will not regret visiting indonesia!
2006-11-03 14:47:02 · answer #3 · answered by ombak 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
im a white american male, gonna travel to java in january, alone, but will meet indonesian friend there. after researching java, i have no worries at all. i recommend you read a book called "culture shock indonesia" written for expats. gives alot of tips on local customs. also www.expat.or.id/ check other sites too. i know your not moving there but hearing experiences from people who do answers alot of questions. by the way my friend is muslim, im catholic... no problems... indonesias motto is "unity through diversity"... and they start teaching that in grade school... and crime... thats everywhere. if you go after january, i'll tell you first hand...
2006-11-03 02:18:56 · answer #4 · answered by green bay 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends where are u going to!!
Jakarta will be quite safe.
In North Sumatra, there are a beautiful lake called Lake Toba.
most people who live their are Christian.
Bali is a Hindu area, and people are not racist in Bali
2006-11-03 22:53:43 · answer #5 · answered by la montée 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it is safe..if you're not got to conflict area such as poso in sulawesi island..
actually the condition here is not so bad like you all watched in tv..
just act friendly, am sure people will not offense you..
no worries...there just few people who act nuts and ruin the whole country image..actually indonesian are warm, nice and hospitable people
p.s.
i am indonesian and christian
and i feel safe and peace live here..
2006-11-02 19:45:09 · answer #6 · answered by angel_arrow 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. It is perfectly safe. Indonesians enjoy tourists visiting. Go to Bali. that's the funnest place to visit...
2006-11-03 11:47:11 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree. Don't go. It's a terrible time to visit there with the escalating violence in SE asia. Bad timing, I am afraid.
2006-11-02 16:10:50 · answer #8 · answered by Enlightenme! 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, unless you are among the population and start shouting pro-Christian rants or anti-Muslime rants to them =)
2006-11-03 16:56:05 · answer #9 · answered by economiss 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Safe,..I guess safer than New York.
2006-11-04 04:17:22 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋