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Indonesia Flag of Indonesia

Pre Arrival:  Overview | Charts
Arrival:  Approaches
Communications:  Pratique | Pre-Arrival
Pollution:  Pollution
Facilities:  Medical
Security:  Police etc | Piracy
Local Info:  Holidays | Weather
Shore:  Connections | Customs
Crew:  Leave | Repatriation | ID Cards
Misc:  Authority
General Information for Indonesia
Geo-political:
Capital City: Jakarta.
Nationality: (noun) Indonesian, (adjective) Indonesian.
Population: 240,271,522.
Communications:
International Direct Dial Code: 62.
Number of Internal Airports: 164.
Major Languages Spoken: Bahasa Indonesia (official, modified form of Malay), English, Dutch, local dialects (the most widely spoken of which is Javanese).
Economy:
Currency: 1 Rupiah (IDR) of 100 Sen.
Exchange Rates:  (as of March 2018)
USD 1.00 = IDR 13,765.66
Exchange rates under licence from XE.com
Main Industries: Petroleum and natural gas, textiles, apparel, footwear, mining, cement, chemical fertilisers, plywood, rubber, food and tourism.
Environment:
Territorial Sea: 12 n.m.
Other Maritime Claims: Exclusive Economic Zone: 200 n.m.
Coastline Extent: 54,716 km.
Climate: Tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands.
Natural Resources: Petroleum, tin, natural gas, nickel, timber, bauxite, copper, fertile soils, coal, gold and silver.
Natural Hazards: Occasional floods; severe droughts; tsunamis; earthquakes; volcanoes; forest fires.
Terrain: Mostly coastal lowlands; larger islands have interior mountains.
Average Temperatures: 
Month High Low
January 29° C 23° C
June 30° C 23° C
September 31° C 23° C
OVERVIEW:  An archipelago of 17,508 islands (6,000 inhabited). The Republic of Indonesia comprises the islands of:
  1. Sumatra, including Riau, Bangka, Belitung, Nias, Mentawai, etc.
  2. Java and Madura Kalimantan (Borneo): including Tarakan, Bunyu, Laut, etc.
  3. Sulawesi: including Kabaena, Muna, Buton, Peleng, Banggai, etc.
  4. Maluku: consisting of Halmahera, Bacan, etc.
  5. Bali West Nusatenggara: consisting of Lombok, Sumbawa, Tanimbar, Buru, Seram, Kai, Aru, Babar, Wetar, etc.
  6. East Nusatenggara: consisting of Sumba, Flores, Solor, Alor, Timor, etc.
  7. Timor Timur Irian Jaya: including Waigeo, Misool, Salawati, Biak, etc.
CHARTS: 
Nautical charts, publications and Notice to Mariners produced/issued by the Hydro-Oceanographic Office, Indonesian Navy (Dinas Hidro-Oseanografi). www.pushidrosal.id
APPROACHES:  Strait of Malacca:  The Straits of Malacca and Singapore constitute one of the world's busiest shipping corridors. Vessels transiting the area are directed to Safe Passage – The Straits of Malacca and Singapore, produced by Cooperative Mechanism, a joint initiative by the governments of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. Information can be summarised as follows:
Collision Prevention:  Masters are reminded of the risks associated with the use of VHF for collision avoidance. In such congested waters, VHF communication can often be misunderstood leading to risk of close quarters situations and possible collision.
Similarly AIS, while a useful tool in assessing the situation, should not be relied upon when deciding on required collision avoidance action. AIS may be transmitting incomplete or incorrect data, some vessels may have defective or deactivated AIS.
Routeing Measures:  A Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) has been established between Permatang Sedepa and the entrance to the South China Sea, a distance of approx. 250 n.m. Designated routeing for deep-draft vessels and precautionary areas are indicated on BA Chart No. 5502.
Vessels crossing TSS lanes or any precautionary area are required to display three all-round green lights in a vertical line. Displaying this signal does not exempt the vessel from any obligation under the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea.
Anchoring:  It is strictly prohibited to anchor within the TSS and precautionary areas. In cases of emergency, vessels with an urgent need to anchor should so far as possible attempt to ascertain location of pipelines, submerged installations and cables before doing so.
Visibility:  Sudden thunderstorms with heavy rain may occur during the monsoon periods from June to August and October to December. Such storms may develop rapidly and will cause visibility to be severely restricted. Regional forest fires and associated smoke haze may also affect the Straits especially during the dry season.
Local Traffic:  Numerous tugs and barges transit the area, often at slow speed. Concentrations of such vessels may be expected in the vicinity of Batu Berhanti and crossing the TSS close to Singapore. Local passenger traffic is abundant, particularly in the following areas:
  • approaches to Port Dickson
  • approaches to Melaka
  • approaches to Muar
  • approaches to Batu Pahat
  • between Kukup and Pulau Karimun
  • the area south of Singapore Island
Increased crossing traffic will also be encountered within precautionary areas and near pilot boarding areas. VLCCs using the deep water route bound for Singapore generally cross the TSS SE of the Raffles Lighthouse. Poorly lit fishing vessels are often encountered, particularly in the western part of the Singapore Strait.
PRATIQUE:  Vessels in foreign trade arriving at a Indonesian port not classified as a quarantine port should apply for ``Provisional Pratique''. The local Port Authority will grant ``Provisional Pratique'' provided health conditions on the ship are satifactory. This does not give vessel ``free pratique'' and flag `Q' must still be flown.
PRE-ARRIVAL INFORMATION:  Foreign flag vessels calling into Indonesian ports are required to appoint a local ship's agent, who will in turn apply for a Foreign Ship Agency Notification (Pemberitahuan Keagenan Kapal Asing (PKKA)) from the Directorate General of Marine Transportation. Without a PKKA, vessel will not be permitted clearance in/out of an Indonesian port. Application for PKKA should be done at least 5 days before ships arrival at the loading/unloading port.
Agent will be required to submit the following when applying for a PKKA: 
  1. letter of application for the company
  2. copy of SIUPAL/SIUPKK (shipping company/agency business licence)
  3. letter of appointment
  4. ship's particular
  5. Crew List
  6. ISSC, IOPP, Q88, CSO certificates.
The PKKA application can be submitted through SIMLALA, the sea freight traffic management information system, and available to registered users at simlala.dephub.go.id
Pre-arrival notifications and documents can be submitted through the Indonesia maritime single window system Inaportnet. Access is available to registered users at inaportnet.dephub.go.id
POLLUTION:  The lead agency for oil spill preparedness and response is the Directorate General of Sea Transportation (DGST), with a national team responsible for coordinating the implementation of emergency response at sea during major incidents. It also provides legal support to those that suffer financial loss as a result of the spill.
A tiered approach to pollution response has been adopted as follows:
  1. Tier 1 spills would be tackled by third parties, e.g. oil companies, who are required to have their own oil spill contingency plans.
  2. Tier 2 spills would involve joint combating between the third party companies (e.g. oil company) and relevant agencies, coordinated and commanded by the Port Authority.
  3. For major spills, the DGST headquarters could take over responsibility for coordinating and commanding the response operation.
Contact: Ministry of Transportation Directorate General of Sea Transportation. T: +62 (21) 381 1308. T: +62 (21) 345 1365. F: +62 (21) 381 1786. www.dephub.go.id/
MEDICAL:  The standard of local medical care can be poor and some medical tests can’t be done reliably. Good medical care can be very expensive and in remote areas attention for serious injuries or illness is likely to be unavailable. You may require expensive medical evacuation. Make sure you have adequate health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
Rabies exists in domestic and wild animals. There are many street dogs in Bali and elsewhere. You should avoid direct contact with all dogs and cats (including pets), monkeys and other animals and seek immediate help if you’re bitten or scratched.
There is a heightened risk of dengue fever in Bali and elsewhere during the rainy season (usually from around October to April).
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 118 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Avian Influenza (bird Flu):  Avian flu has led to over 150 confirmed human fatalities in Indonesia since 2003, although the annual rate appears to be declining. All cases so far have been linked to close contact with poultry.
Although the risk to humans from Avian Influenza is low, you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds, and make sure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.
POLICE/AMBULANCE/FIRE:  Police T: 110. Ambulance T: 118. Fire T: 113. Search & Rescue T: 115.
PIRACY:  South China Sea:  Off Tioman island, Pulau Aur in the South China Sea. Attacks are concentrated in vicinity of Lat. 02° 00′ N, Long. 104° E. Ships are advised to maintain a strict anti-piracy watch throughout 24 hours at least 100 n.m. radius from this position.
There has been an increase in attacks in the triangle area formed by Tioman (Pulau Aur), eastern Singapore Straits including outer port limits and Anambas off the Mangkai islands. Armed pirates have attacked vessels during the hours of darkness.
Strait of Malacca:  Although the number of attacks has dropped due to the increased patrols by the littoral states authorities since July 2005, ships are advised to continue maintaining a strict anti-piracy watch when transiting the straits.
Reporting:  Mariners are advised to report any suspicious boats to the Piracy Reporting Centre, Kuala Lumpur, forwarding the following information:
  1. general description (name, distinctive markings, approx. length, construction type, colour of hull and superstructure/accommodation)
  2. photographs (if possible/practicable)
  3. number of persons observed on board
  4. whether any weapons were observed on board
  5. whether any skiffs (number) were towed alongside
  6. ECDIS screen shots/position and date/time
  7. position of mother vessel
  8. course and speed of mother ship when observed
  9. whether an AIS signal broadcast
  10. whether the vessel has changed course or speed to
    1. intercept/shadow vessel movement
  11. any other information that may be of relevance.
Situation Report (SITREP):  PRC Malaysia broadcasts SITREP reports to vessels at 0000 GMT via Inmarsat C (Satellite) EGC Safety Net. However, vessels in some parts of the world, that are not considered at risk from piracy, will not receive these messages.
    Maritime Organisations: 
  • Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore's Port Operations Control Centre. VHF Channels 10, 14, 16 and 73. Tel: +65 6325 2493. Fax: +65 6224 5776. Tlx: RS 34970 PORTPM. [email protected] www.mpa.gov.sg/
  • Singapore Police Coast Guard. VHF Channels 7 and 16. Tel: +65 6377 5540. Fax: +65 6276 1627.
  • Piracy Reporting Centre, Kuala Lumpur (PRC). Tel: +60 (3) 2031 0014. Fax: +60 (3) 2078 5769. [email protected] www.icc-ccs.org/
  • Indonesian Sea Security Command (call sign ``PUSKODAL''). VHF Channel 16. HF Radio 7015 KHz. Tel: +62 778 413498, 778 413844, 778 413901 (Batam), 771 23071 (Bintan), 765 31105 (Dumai), 777 21185 (Tanjung Balai, Karimun).
  • Indonesian Marine Police. VHF Channel 16. Tel: +62 778 312433 (Belakang Pandang Base), 779 21325 (Sat Polair Tg. Batu Base).
HOLIDAYS:  1 January (New Year's Day); Chinese New Year; Prophet Muhammad's Birthday; Nyepi Saka Day (Balinese Day of Silence); Good Friday; Buddhist New Year (Waisak); Ascension Day of Jesus Christ; Idul Fitri; Idul Adha; 17 August (Independence Day); Islamic New Year (1 Muharram); 25 December (Christmas Day).
WEATHER/TIDES:  During the rainy season (usually around October to April) widespread flooding can occur. Keep a stock of food and bottled water, monitor local media and follow the advice of the local authorities. Walking and driving in flooded areas can be dangerous due to uncovered drainage ditches that are covered by water. There is a higher risk of waterborne diseases in flooded areas.
Natural Disasters:  Indonesia sits along a volatile seismic strip called the ‘Ring of Fire’. Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur regularly and tsunamis are possible. Flash floods and more widespread flooding occur regularly.
Earthquakes:  If a major earthquake or landslide occurs close to shore, you should follow the instructions of local authorities, bearing in mind that a tsunami could arrive within minutes. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issues tsunami warnings when a potential tsunami with significant impact is imminent or expected. Local warnings or advisories may also be issued.
Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. ptwc.weather.gov/
Floods:  Northern parts of Sulawesi, Central and West Java and northern Jakarta have been severely affected by recent heavy rains and subsequent landslides and flooding. Throughout Indonesia flash floods and more widespread flooding occur regularly. Cities, especially Jakarta, often suffer severe localised flooding which can result in major traffic congestion, and occasionally deaths. The main toll road to Soekarno-Hatta international airport can be affected by flooding. Landslides occur in rural areas during the rainy season.
CONNECTIONS:  Sea Travel:  Inter-island travel by small boat can be dangerous as storms appear quickly and safety equipment is often limited. A number of passenger boats have sunk. There were 617 reported sea accidents in 2013, claiming more than 300 lives.
CUSTOMS:  Ship's bonded stores will be sealed by Customs officials on arrival and will remain sealed until the vessel leaves Indonesian waters.
Customs Allowances:  Cigarettes, cigars, tobacco, matches, spirits, wine, beer, perfume, firearms, ammunition and possibly some other items must be locked up under Customs Seal from time of arrival of vessel in port until time of leaving territorial waters. Each person is allowed to bring 200 cigarettes or the equivalent in grams of tobacco or cigars ashore without paying import duty. Special allowances are made for the Master under special circumstances.
Contact: Directorate General of Customs & Excise. T: +62 (21) 489 0308. [email protected] www.beacukai.go.id/
SHORE LEAVE:  Be aware of the risk of street crime and pick-pocketing, particularly in busy tourist areas in Bali, where there has been an increase in reports of bag-snatching. Take sensible measures to protect yourself and your belongings. Avoid having bags obviously on show and carry only essential items.
Take particular care of your passport and bank cards and avoid travelling around alone.
Credit card fraud is common. Don’t lose sight of your card during transactions. Criminals sometimes place a fake telephone number on ATMs advising customers to report problems. Customers dialling the number are asked for their PIN and their card is then retained within the machine.
Beware of thieves on public transport. If you’re travelling by car keep doors locked at all times. Only book taxis with a reputable firm. Don’t use unlicensed taxi drivers. Their vehicles are usually in poor condition, unmetered and don’t have a dashboard identity licence. They charge extortionate fares and have been known to rob passengers.
Methanol Poisoning:  There have been a number of deaths and cases of serious illness of locals and foreigners in Indonesia caused by drinking alcoholic drinks contaminated with methanol. These cases have occurred in bars, shops and hotels in popular tourist areas such as Bali, Lombok and Sumatra.
Criminal gangs have been reported to manufacture counterfeit replicas of well-known brands of alcohol containing high amounts of methanol. Take extreme care when purchasing spirit-based drinks, as bottles may appear to be genuine when they are not.
There have also been cases of methanol poisoning from drinking adulterated arak/arrack, a local rice or palm liquor. Make sure cocktails are prepared in your sight and don’t leave drinks unattended as there have been reports of drink-spiking (with drugs) in clubs and nightspots. If you or someone you’re travelling with show signs of methanol poisoning or drink-spiking, seek immediate medical attention.
REPATRIATION:  Departure tax varies by airport from IDR60,000 to 150,000. You will need to pay an airport tax of IDR150,000 if you are departing on an international flight.
IDENTIFICATION CARDS:  Each crew member should be in possession of a passport and Seaman's Book. Crew members having no passport are required to carry a Seaman Identification Card (SIC).
A re-entry permit from the country concerned is sufficient, if there is no passport available.
AUTHORITY:  Ministry of Transportation, Directorate General of Marine Transportation, Jl Medan Merdeka Barat No. 8, Gedung Karsa Lot 13, Jakarta 10110, Indonesia. www.dephub.go.id