Operating in Indonesia? Speak with a security consultant.
Indonesia is the world’s fourth most populous country (275 million) and Southeast Asia’s largest economy. Jakarta (the capital, though Indonesia is in the process of relocating its administrative capital to Nusantara on Borneo) is the business and commercial hub. It will remain the country’s commercial centre for the foreseeable future.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to some areas of Papua province. The wider country carries a medium risk rating with specific terrorism and drug law concerns.
Jakarta’s risk profile
Jakarta’s corporate security environment is manageable with professional planning. The city has significant traffic congestion (among Asia’s worst), periodic flooding, and active terrorism capability as background factors. Zone management is straightforward: Sudirman/Thamrin CBD, the SCBD district, and established hotel areas are the standard operating areas for corporate visits.
The terrorism dimension
The 2002 Bali bombings (202 dead), the 2003 and 2009 Jakarta Marriott and Ritz-Carlton bombings, and more recent incidents including the 2016 Jakarta attack, 2021 Makassar bombing, and 2022 Bandung attack demonstrate that IS-affiliated groups maintain capability in Indonesia. Densus 88, Indonesia’s counter-terrorism unit, has an effective record of disrupting plots. The terrorist threat is real but the counter-terrorism response is also genuinely capable.
Drug laws: zero latitude
Indonesia’s mandatory penalties for drug trafficking include capital punishment. This has been applied to foreign nationals. Possession of any amount of certain substances carries severe sentences. For visitors, this means documentation for all medications, no accepting packages from strangers, and treating customs compliance as a hard requirement, not a bureaucratic formality.
Our vetted operators provide close protection and executive protection and security driver services across Indonesia. For a detailed local assessment, see our Jakarta city briefing.
Cities We Cover
Jakarta
Medium riskIndonesia's commercial capital. Jemaah Islamiyah/IS-affiliated terrorism (historical but ongoing capability). Drug laws (death penalty for trafficking). Traffic and transport risks.
View city guide →Medan
Moderate riskNorth Sumatra's capital and Indonesia's largest city outside Java. Palm oil and agribusiness hub distinct from Jakarta's finance sector. Mount Sinabung volcanic exclusion zone (Karo Regency), gateway to Lake Toba.
View city guide →Security Regulations
Firearms
Firearms for security officers (Satpam) are governed by Police Regulation (Perpol) No. 1 of 2022. Non-police firearms may be used for Satpam duties only with a permit from the Chief of Police, issued by the Police Security Intelligence Agency or the regional police chief (Article 13), and an organisation may hold them for no more than one third of its Satpam (Article 15). Ask whether any officer will be armed, and see the permit if so.
Licensing
Private security in Indonesia is regulated by POLRI, the Indonesian National Police, under Police Regulation (Perpol) No. 4 of 2020 on Pengamanan Swakarsa, made under Law No. 2 of 2002 on the National Police. A security company (Badan Usaha Jasa Pengamanan, BUJP) must be a limited liability company and needs a police operating licence (SIO); the application needs a recommendation from the regional police (Polda). Satpam officers train at Gada Pratama, Gada Madya or Gada Utama level and carry a KTA Satpam card issued and registered by POLRI.
Foreign Operators
Perpol No. 4 of 2020 requires a security company applying for an operating licence to supply valid immigration documents for any foreign workers (Article 8). It sets out no separate route for a foreign security company. Use a POLRI-licensed Indonesian company for protective work, and take local legal advice before a foreign team carries out protective duties.
Sources, checked : Police Regulation (Perpol) No. 4 of 2020 on Pengamanan Swakarsa, Berita Negara 2020 No. 868; Police Regulation (Perpol) No. 1 of 2022 on firearm licensing, Berita Negara 2022 No. 139.