World Country Guide

1
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from infected areas. The countries and areas included in the yellow fever endemic zones are considered by Indonesia as infected areas. For a map of yellow fever endemic zones, see the Health appendix.

2
Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry to Indonesia. However, cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness; see the Health appendix.

3
Typhoid occurs. Poliomyelitis transmission has been interrupted in Indonesia.

4
Malaria risk exists throughout the year everywhere except in the main tourist resorts of Java and Bali, Jakarta municipality and other big cities where risk is only slight. The malignant form falciparum is reported to be highly resistant to chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethane. The benign form vivax is reported to be resistant to chloroquine. The recommended prophylaxis in risk areas is mefloquine.

Food & drink
All water should be regarded as a potential health risk. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products that are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other risks
Amoebic and bacillary dysenteries occur. Hepatitis A and E occur and hepatitis B is highly endemic. Dengue fever, giardiasis, Japanese Encephalitis and Parityphoid can occur. Tuberculosis and diphtheria vaccinations are sometimes recommended. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present in central Sulawesi. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water; swimming pools which are well chlorinated and maintained are safe.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.

Health care
Health insurance to include emergency repatriation cover is strongly advised. Adequate routine medical care is available in all major cities, but emergency services are generally inadequate outside major cities. Fees must be paid before leaving the hospital. Although medical costs are relatively cheap, drugs can be expensive.