Before embarking on your stay in Indonesia or any other country, it is always important to consult your doctor, or better yet, a travel medicine specialist to learn about the preventive measures to take and the right reflexes to adopt in case of illness. This is all the more necessary given that Indonesia is a tropical country presenting certain health risks.

To help you travel with peace of mind, here are some tips on vaccinations and your health once you arrive.

Recommended vaccinations for Indonesia

Vaccinations for adults

Protect yourself effectively during your trip to Indonesia by updating essential vaccinations.

• For optimal protection, it is advisable to receive vaccinations against viral hepatitis A and B. For hepatitis A, one dose should be administered 15 days before departure, followed by a booster one to three months later. Two injections are necessary for hepatitis B, spaced one month apart, with a booster six months later.

• It is also recommended to be vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis, with two injections 28 days apart, followed by a booster one year later, then every 10 years.

• For rabies, a treatment of three injections is necessary, with intervals of 7, 21 or 28 days, and annual boosters for exposed persons.

• For typhoid, you can choose between one injection 15 days before departure, or three capsules taken every other day one week before departure. The booster is always administered every 3 years.

• For adults, boosters against diphtheria, tetanus and poliomyelitis are necessary at 25 years, 45 years and 65 years, then every 10 years.

What vaccinations for children?

• BCG is recommended between birth and the first 2 months for those at high risk of tuberculosis.

• Young children should receive three injections against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, pertussis and Haemophilus between 2 and 11 months.

• Vaccinations against measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis A and typhoid can be administered from the age of one year.

• For Japanese encephalitis and rabies, children can be vaccinated as soon as they start walking

For more information, we invite you to visit the official website of the Pasteur Institute medical center. You will find a complete list of the various vaccines available, as well as details on their specific relevance for a trip to Indonesia.

Vaccination center in the country

In Indonesian public health facilities, the national vaccination system primarily covers vaccines such as BCG, DTC, polio, measles, rubella, hepatitis B and yellow fever. Other vaccination options can be explored in private clinics or travel medicine centers, but they often involve higher costs or require advance booking.

The Pasteur Institute stands out in vaccination and prevention of tropical diseases. In Jakarta, its medical center, located at Jalan H.R. Rasuna Said Kav. C—15, Kuningan Timur, Setiabudi, is an essential resource for preparing medically for your trip. Reaching the center is easy by taxi or bus from downtown. For additional information, do not hesitate to contact the facility at +62 21 5365 0888

What to put in your medicine cabinet?

It is always better to prevent than to cure and to carry a few medications as a precaution. Here is what could supplement your medicine cabinet, an essential element of your luggage for Indonesia.

• Anti-diarrheal medications:

– Severe diarrhea: Zithromax

– Diarrhea: Imodium

• Intestinal binding agents: Smecta

• Anti-nausea, anti-vomiting medications: Vogalène

• Fever and pain: Paracetamol, Acetaminophen

• Severe pain: Analgesic, for example: Ibuprofen (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory)

• Abdominal pain: Spasfon

• Itching: Diprosone

• Allergies: Aerius, anti-allergy without fatigue effect

• Broad-spectrum antibiotic and antibacterial (sore throat, skin infections, ENT infection): Pyostacine

• Mosquito repellent

• Sunscreen, after-sun care and Biafine

Health risks in Indonesia

Risks related to food and water

In Indonesia, the risks of contamination from water and food (parasites, viruses, bacteria, etc.) are very high. They can cause very unpleasant, and sometimes even serious, medical conditions. Here are some examples of diseases that people exposed to these infectious agents can contract:

• Poliomyelitis

• Traveler's diarrhea (turista)

• Viral hepatitis A hemorrhagic form

• Giardiasis (an intestinal infection caused by Giardia lamblia)

• Amebiasis (a parasitic infection of the colon common in tropical countries)

• Typhoid

• Salmonellosis (a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella enterobacteria)

• Shigellosis (a diarrheal disease that predominantly affects tropical regions)

• Ascariasis (an infectious disease caused by a worm, roundworm)

• Taeniasis (an intestinal infection caused by tapeworm)

• Trichinosis (a parasitic disease caused by a worm, Trichinella)

Risks related to animals and insects

Animals and insects can be vectors of many diseases. It is strongly recommended to avoid any contact with these creatures, whatever they may be, to prevent potential risks.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of known diseases related to contact with Indonesian animals and insects:

Malaria (transmitted by mosquitoes)

Malaria is endemic in several Indonesian regions such as Papua, the Moluccas, Nusa Tenggara, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Sumatra and Lombok. Urban areas present no risk, but it is essential to take preventive measures. Use repellents, mosquito bite protection and appropriate medications (Atovaquone/Proguanil, Doxycycline, Mefloquine).

Dengue (also transmitted by mosquitoes)

Dengue fever is widespread in most Indonesian regions, with the exception of Bali and Java. Symptoms include high fever, joint pain and bleeding. Although there is no vaccine or specific treatment, symptoms can be relieved by medications. Prevent the disease by using repellents, mosquito nets and long-sleeved clothing.

Arboviruses (dengue, chikungunya, zika, yellow fever, West Nile fever)

These viral diseases, transmitted by mosquitoes or ticks, present varied symptoms. Fever, rashes, joint pain or neurological disorders may occur. Prevention relies on protection against arthropod bites and epidemiological surveillance. Only yellow fever has a vaccine.

Rickettsial disease (scrub typhus)

Although rare in Indonesia, rickettsial disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by ticks or lice. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain and rash. Treatment requires antibiotics, and prevention involves protection against tick or louse bites as well as treatment of clothing and bedding with insecticides.

Borreliosis (Lyme disease)

Transmitted by ticks, borreliosis manifests as redness around the bite, followed by fever, joint pain, nervous or heart disorders. Treatment consists of antibiotics, and prevention relies on protection against tick bites and their rapid removal from the skin.

Rabies (dogs, wild animals)

Rabies, a fatal viral disease, spreads through the saliva of infected animals such as dogs, bats, monkeys or rodents. Prevention includes vaccination of domestic animals, avoidance of contact with wild animals and medical consultation in case of suspected bite or scratch. A preventive vaccine and post-exposure treatment exist.

Envenomation (bite or sting from venomous animals)

Accidents from bites or stings of venomous animals, such as snakes, scorpions, spiders or jellyfish, require urgent medical care. Use appropriate clothing and footwear, avoid risk areas and follow safety guidelines to prevent these incidents.

Lymphatic filariasis (transmitted by mosquitoes)

This parasitic disease causes an infection of the lymphatic vessels, leading to chronic and irreversible swelling of the limbs or genitals (elephantiasis). Treatment involves antiparasitic medications, and prevention requires protection against mosquito bites and treatment of infected persons.

Tips for a healthy and secure stay in Indonesia

Embassy announcements

The Indonesian Embassy in France provides you with information and procedures for entry and exit conditions to Indonesian territory, as well as security recommendations.

Streamlined procedures for Covid

Covid rules are relaxed for travelers. No need for a test before departure or to present the Satusehat application. No vaccination certificate is required.
You only need to fill out an online form and purchase travel medical insurance.
However, remain vigilant and always adopt the usual preventive measures.

Visa on arrival available

Visitors can stay in Indonesia for up to 30 days without a visa. Between 30 and 60 days, a visa on arrival is available, but your arrival and departure must be through one of the 15 authorized airports or 9 ports.

Pasteur Institute advice

When traveling, you may be exposed to health risks related to water, food, animals, insects or sexually transmitted diseases. To prevent these ailments, the Pasteur Institute recommends that you follow these tips:

– Drink bottled or treated water, and avoid ice cubes.

– Make sure to wash your hands before eating and after using the restroom.

– Avoid raw, unwashed or unpeeled food, and prefer cooked and hot food.

– Avoid contact with stray or wild animals, and consult a doctor in case of bite or scratch.

– Protect yourself from insect bites by using repellents, mosquito nets and long-sleeved clothing.

– Use a condom during sexual intercourse with casual or unknown partners.

– The Pasteur Institute strongly recommends purchasing travel insurance that covers medical expenses, medical evacuation and civil liability.

It is essential to consult your doctor before any departure for personalized recommendations. In addition, to obtain further information, you can contact the Pasteur Institute through various channels such as telephone, fax or email. Another option would be to visit their address in Paris directly.

Pasteur Institute

211 rue de Vaugirard - 75015 Paris

Telephone: (+33) 1 45 68 80 00

Fax: (+33) 1 40 61 30 30

Email: