Indonesia Emergency Numbers Every Expat Should Know for a Safer Stay

Essential contacts to save in your phone before living or traveling in Indonesia.

Living in Indonesia as an expat or tourist means you want to be prepared, especially for emergencies. While many of us hope never to need them, knowing the right helpline numbers for police, fire, medical, or disaster services is critical. Here’s your guide to the most important emergency numbers in Indonesia, plus insights on how these services work and tips for staying safe.

Indonesia isn’t just one big city. It’s an archipelago with thousands of islands, each with its own rhythms, pace of life, and infrastructure. You may spend most of your days exploring Jakarta’s bustling streets, cruising through Bali on a scooter, or hopping between islands.

And although Indonesia is generally a very welcoming and peaceful place, unexpected things can still happen like traffic accidents, medical issues, small fires, lost passports, even natural disasters like earthquakes or floods depending on the region.

Also read: A Complete Guide to the Cost of Living in Jakarta for Expats

Key Emergency Numbers in Indonesia

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most important emergency numbers in Indonesia. Whether you’re an expat settling in long-term or a tourist visiting for a few weeks, this information will help you feel safer, calmer, and more confident as you move through daily life in Indonesia.

1. The primary emergency hotline: 112

The most important number you should save immediately is 112, Indonesia’s general emergency hotline. This number is designed to be your first point of contact when you are unsure which service to call. It connects you to operators who can direct your emergency to the appropriate department, whether you need assistance from the police, medical personnel, or the fire department.

In major cities, 112 is typically available twenty-four hours a day and can be dialed from both mobile phones and landlines. You can even call this number without phone credit, making it accessible during urgent situations where your communication options might be limited.

When you call 112, operators may ask several questions to help determine the nature of your emergency. These questions might include your location, the type of emergency, the number of people involved, and whether there are any immediate threats to safety.

Although operators may not always speak fluent English, especially outside major metropolitan areas, they usually make a strong effort to understand and assist foreign callers. Speaking slowly and clearly can help ensure your situation is communicated effectively.

2. Police assistance and emergency situations: 110

For emergencies requiring law enforcement, such as theft, assault, robbery, or suspicious activity, the dedicated police hotline 110 is the direct number to call. This number connects you to Indonesian National Police operators who can dispatch assistance to your location.

The type of response you receive may vary depending on where you are. In larger cities, police teams can typically arrive more quickly, but in rural areas, travel time may be longer due to distance or road conditions. If you find yourself in a situation where you feel unsafe, calling 110 allows you to report the issue immediately and receive guidance from trained responders.

3. Fire and rescue emergencies: 113

Indonesia’s hot climate and dense urban areas mean that fires, though not extremely common, can spread quickly when they occur. The dedicated fire department number is 113, which connects you directly to the local fire brigade.

If you see smoke, flames, or smell burning material in your home or neighborhood, calling 113 immediately is essential. Fire departments in Indonesia are typically well-prepared for rapid deployment, especially in city centers. They may ask questions about your exact location and the severity of the fire, so offering clear, precise details can help them arrive sooner.

4. Medical emergencies and ambulance services: 118 and 119

Indonesia has two major medical emergency hotlines 118 and 119 each offering ambulance and health-related services. These numbers are designed for situations involving injuries, sudden illnesses, accidents, or any condition requiring immediate medical attention.

When you call these numbers, the operator will ask about the patient’s condition, the type of medical problem, and the level of urgency. They will then dispatch an ambulance if required. In many urban areas, the ambulances are equipped with trained medical staff and essential emergency equipment.

5. Disaster response and search & rescue: 115

Indonesia is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, which means natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis can occur. For emergency search and rescue situations, including missing persons, maritime incidents, or major accidents, the number 115 connects you to BASARNAS, Indonesia’s national search and rescue agency.

This agency plays a critical role during large-scale emergencies and has teams trained to handle complex rescue missions. If you are traveling between islands, hiking near mountainous areas, or engaging in marine activities, keeping this number accessible is strongly recommended.

Why Knowing Emergency Numbers Matters for Expats

Living in Indonesia as an expat offers countless wonderful experiences, vibrant cultural life, friendly communities, tropical landscapes, and exciting opportunities. However, adapting to a new environment also means adjusting to different systems and infrastructures. Knowing exactly who to call during an emergency provides peace of mind and helps you navigate unexpected challenges confidently.

Understanding Indonesia’s emergency services helps you move through daily life with greater security, whether you’re walking through Jakarta’s busy streets, exploring Bali’s scenic roads, or living on a quieter island. Being prepared doesn’t take much effort, but it can make an enormous difference when every second counts.

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Emergencies are unpredictable, but being prepared doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. Saving Indonesia’s essential hotline gives you clarity and confidence wherever you are in the country.

For many expats, living in Indonesia is an exciting chapter filled with discovery, new friendships, and unique cultural experiences. Understanding how local emergency systems work is simply part of settling into your new environment and navigating it safely. With the right information, you’ll feel more at ease exploring Indonesia’s cities, islands, and communities.

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