Medical Care & Vaccinations
Medical care in Indonesia is extremely unevenly distributed: In Jakarta and Surabaya, there are international private clinics of solid standard, but on Flores, in Toraja, and on the smaller islands, care is rudimentary.
Hospitals
- Jakarta: Rumah Sakit Pondok Indah, Siloam Hospitals — international standards
- Surabaya: National Hospital Surabaya — best option in East Java
- Yogyakarta: RS Panti Rapih — acceptable for standard treatments
- Outside the cities: Puskesmas (local health centers) — only suitable for initial care
Travel health insurance with repatriation clause is absolutely mandatory! In case of serious accidents or illnesses, evacuation to Singapore or Jakarta is the only option.
Vaccinations
Recommended (but not required):
- Hepatitis A & B: Strongly recommended
- Typhoid: For travel off the tourist paths
- Japanese Encephalitis: For rural stays during the rainy season
- Rabies: For contact with animals (jungle treks, rural areas). Stray dogs are everywhere.
- Yellow Fever: Required only when entering from yellow fever areas
Malaria & Dengue
Malaria exists in remote areas: Papua, parts of Kalimantan, rural Sulawesi, and some areas on Sumatra. Java, Bali, most tourist islands, and cities are malaria-free. For travel to risk areas: malaria prophylaxis (Malarone/Atovaquone-Proguanil) after medical consultation.
Dengue Fever is widespread throughout Indonesia — even in the cities. There is no prophylaxis, only mosquito protection: DEET spray (at least 30%), long clothing in the evening, mosquito nets.
Achtung
On Flores, in Toraja, and on smaller islands, the nearest usable clinic is often hours away. Bring a well-stocked travel pharmacy: anti-diarrheal medications (Loperamide, electrolytes), painkillers, disinfectants, bandages, antibiotics (after medical prescription). Motorcycle accidents are the most common cause of injury among tourists.
