Indonesia – Health Issues

What are the most common health issues and diseases in Indonesia?

Indonesia grapples with a convergence of chronic conditions — including stroke, heart disease, and diabetes — alongside persistent infectious threats such as tuberculosis and pneumonia. This simultaneous pressure from both disease categories is a defining feature of rapidly developing nations and shapes both healthcare priorities and the everyday reality for people living in the country.

Stroke is the leading killer in Indonesia, claiming approximately 131.8 lives per 100,000 people. It occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, typically due to a blockage or ruptured blood vessel. Ischemic heart disease follows as the second major cause of death, accounting for 95.68 fatalities per 100,000 people.

Data spanning 1990 to 2019 shows that cardiovascular disease mortality, illness rates, and overall prevalence have all trended upward in Indonesia — particularly for stroke and ischemic heart disease. This trajectory stands out even when measured against other Southeast Asian nations and runs counter to the declining global trend.

Diabetes represents a rapidly escalating public health problem, with prevalence projected to reach 16.09% by 2045. It acts as a driver of serious downstream complications including heart disease and kidney failure. Multiple intersecting factors fuel this trend: urban migration, shifts in dietary habits, rising consumption of processed foods and sugar, increasingly sedentary lifestyles, and a progressively older population.

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to pose a serious challenge across Indonesia. The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) stands at 6.3% nationally — higher in rural settings (7.2%) than in cities (5.4%) — with biomass fuel exposure from cooking and heating playing a greater role in rural communities. Health burdens vary considerably by region: eastern provinces such as Papua and Maluku shoulder heavier infectious disease loads, while metropolitan areas like Jakarta contend more with conditions linked to pollution and lifestyle.

As cities grow and traffic volumes increase, road traffic injuries have emerged as a more prominent cause of death and disability, particularly among younger adults. This is a dimension of health risk that often catches new arrivals off guard, given how markedly road conditions and safety culture can differ from what they are accustomed to.

Is Indonesia considered a healthy country? How do health outcomes compare internationally?

Indonesia’s life expectancy for 2024 was approximately 72.50 years — below the global average of roughly 73–74 years and considerably lower than high-income nations across Europe and East Asia, where figures frequently exceed 80. Readers are encouraged to consult the WHO country data page for Indonesia and Indonesia’s national statistics agency (BPS) for the most current figures, as these are updated periodically.

World Bank data from 2022 places female life expectancy at birth at approximately 70.44 years and male at 66.18 years, illustrating a notable gap between the sexes. More recent projections using alternative methodologies place overall life expectancy somewhat higher.

Health outcomes vary widely across Indonesia’s provinces. In 2019, Bali recorded the highest male life expectancy at birth (74.4 years), while Papua recorded the lowest (64.5 years) — a gap of 9.9 years for men. Among women, the spread between the best- and worst-performing provinces reached 13.7 years. These disparities reflect differences in healthcare infrastructure, household income, and accessibility of services — a reality that expats settling outside major urban centres should take into account.

Despite meaningful improvements in health outcomes over recent decades, a large proportion of Indonesia’s disease burden remains linked to preventable causes — whether lifestyle-related conditions, gaps in public health awareness, or insufficient access to early diagnosis and screening.

Non-communicable diseases now account for an estimated 73% of all deaths in Indonesia. This shift mirrors the broader trajectory of middle-income countries, though Indonesia still carries a comparatively heavier infectious disease burden than wealthier nations. For verified, up-to-date health statistics, refer to the WHO Indonesia country profile or Indonesia’s Ministry of Health at kemkes.go.id.

What infectious diseases or environmental health risks should expats be aware of in Indonesia?

A number of serious illnesses are transmitted through mosquito and insect bites across Indonesia, including malaria, Zika virus, and dengue fever. Dengue is endemic throughout the entire archipelago and represents a particularly significant concern for recently arrived expats who have had no previous exposure. Unlike malaria, there is currently no widely accessible preventive drug for dengue, which means that avoiding bites in the first place is the most effective form of protection.

All residents and visitors in Indonesia should take steps to prevent insect bites: making sure accommodation is properly sealed against insects (using treated mosquito nets where necessary), applying insect repellent throughout the day (preferably products containing DEET), and wearing loose-fitting, long-sleeved, light-coloured clothing.

Malaria risk is highly regional: Maluku and Papua face the heaviest burden (exceeding 50 cases per 1,000 people), while Java and Bali have largely eliminated local transmission. Expats moving to or travelling frequently through eastern Indonesia should seek tailored medical advice on malaria prophylaxis well ahead of departure.

Tuberculosis remains a serious and widespread problem across Indonesia, which ranks among the countries with the highest TB burdens worldwide. Anyone spending prolonged periods in crowded settings should be aware of this risk and discuss TB screening with a healthcare provider. Measles outbreaks continue to be reported periodically, isolated polio cases have also occurred, and influenza circulates throughout the year rather than following a clear seasonal pattern.

Schistosomiasis — a parasitic infection acquired through contact with contaminated freshwater — poses a risk to those who wade, swim, or bathe in certain freshwater environments in parts of Indonesia. Typhoid, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B are additional concerns tied to food and water hygiene. Inadequate sanitation infrastructure, contaminated water supplies, and limited access to hygiene education contribute to high rates of diarrhoeal illness, especially outside major cities. Expats are strongly advised to consume only bottled or appropriately treated water.

There is a documented risk of poisoning from adulterated alcoholic drinks in Indonesia, particularly those contaminated with methanol. Both locals and foreigners have suffered severe illness and in some cases death as a result. Locally produced spirits such as arak can be especially dangerous, but even products sold under recognised brand names have been found to be adulterated. Alcohol should only be purchased from reputable, licensed venues.

Air quality is another significant environmental health concern. Traffic congestion in major cities, plantation fires, and industrial emissions near residential areas all degrade air quality regularly. Jakarta in particular frequently ranks among the most polluted capital cities globally. Expats with asthma, COPD, or other respiratory conditions should take this into careful consideration when planning their move.

Before travelling to or settling in Indonesia, consult your home country’s travel health authority — such as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at cdc.gov, the UK NHS Fit for Travel service, or an equivalent national body — for current vaccination recommendations. It is best to begin this process at least six weeks before departure, as certain vaccines require a course of injections that must be administered on a specific schedule.

Is smoking common in Indonesia, and what are the laws around it?

According to the World Health Organization, Indonesia’s smoking rate ranks fifth globally, with 38.7% of people over the age of 15 using tobacco in 2025. The government’s own Indonesia Health Survey recorded 70.2 million smokers in 2023, among them 5.2 million teenagers and preadolescents. This places Indonesia among the world’s heaviest-smoking nations, and tobacco use is deeply embedded in social and cultural life in ways that can be striking for those arriving from countries where smoking has declined sharply.

The Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2021 found that 34.5% of the Indonesian population used tobacco, with a pronounced gender divide: 65.5% of men compared to just 3.3% of women. The 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey revealed that 19.2% of children aged 13 to 15 were smokers — one of the highest youth smoking rates recorded anywhere in the world.

In a landmark public health step, President Joko Widodo signed Government Regulation Number 28 introducing tighter restrictions on both conventional cigarettes and electronic cigarettes — a significant advance in Indonesia’s tobacco control framework. This regulation took effect in 2024.

Under the regulation, smoking and vaping are prohibited in indoor and outdoor areas of health facilities, educational institutions, childcare settings, religious sites, and public transport, as well as in all indoor areas of public venues and workplaces including malls, hotels, restaurants, and offices. Designated smoking areas may be established in outdoor, open-air locations away from building entrances and exits.

Also in 2024, the legal smoking age was raised to 21, sales of cigarettes near schools were prohibited, and single-stick purchases were banned. Enforcement remains inconsistent, however, and smoking prevalence remains high. Notably, Indonesia continues to permit cigarette advertising — as of 2021 it was the only country in the world to do so — though advertisements must carry health warnings and are not permitted to show the cigarettes themselves.

Expats arriving from countries such as France, Australia, or Germany — where comprehensive indoor smoking bans have been rigorously enforced for many years — are likely to find that exposure to secondhand smoke is considerably more common in Indonesia, particularly in open-air restaurants, street environments, and informal social settings, even as regulations continue to tighten.

Is obesity or poor diet a significant health concern in Indonesia?

Indonesia faces a nutritional paradox: while undernutrition — especially among young children in rural communities — remains a serious problem, urban populations are increasingly confronting overnutrition and rising obesity rates. At least one in three children under the age of five in Indonesia is either undernourished or overweight. UNICEF data indicates that 7 million children under five are stunted, 2 million are wasted, and a further 2 million are overweight or obese.

Rapid urban growth has brought with it sedentary work patterns, greater consumption of processed and fast food, and reduced daily physical activity — all of which are accelerating the rise of diet-related illness and pushing Type 2 diabetes to increasingly younger age groups. Traditional Indonesian diets built around rice, vegetables, tofu, tempeh, and fish can be highly nutritious, but city food environments increasingly mirror global trends toward ultra-processed food consumption.

Public health experts have identified an urgent need for targeted interventions in Indonesia — including policies to foster healthier food environments, encourage physical activity, and expand support for smoking cessation — to address the growing non-communicable disease burden. Government measures have included proposals for excise taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages, though implementation and enforcement are still developing.

While Indonesia’s overall adult obesity rate remains well below that of high-income nations — where rates commonly exceed 25–30% — the direction of travel is sharply upward, especially in urban centres. With a population of nearly 46 million adolescents, Indonesia faces intensifying health pressures from non-communicable diseases, mental health challenges, and injury-related risks. Expats living there should be mindful that eating well requires some active thought, particularly in cities where inexpensive, high-sugar street food is ubiquitous alongside more wholesome traditional alternatives.

What are the mental health attitudes and services like in Indonesia?

Mental health has gained increasing national attention in Indonesia, yet the provision of services falls far short of what the population requires. Widespread cultural stigma around mental illness in many communities discourages people from seeking help and limits the political will to invest in mental healthcare. Suicide is a recognised concern, and many cases go unreported due to the stigma involved, with around 10,000 people estimated to end their lives each year.

The Indonesian government currently directs approximately 1% of its total health budget toward mental health, supported by just 48 mental hospitals and 269 psychiatric wards. This stands in sharp contrast to countries with universal healthcare frameworks — such as the United Kingdom’s NHS or Germany’s statutory health insurance system — where mental health services are woven into primary care and community health networks. Outside Indonesia’s major cities, access to any form of public mental health support is often extremely limited.

Mental health conditions contribute meaningfully to overall mortality through suicide and associated complications. Community support networks and religious communities play an important gap-filling role, but these cannot substitute for clinical care, particularly in cases of severe mental illness.

In major Indonesian cities — particularly Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, and Bandung — expats can access private mental health services, including English-speaking therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists. Private session fees vary but are generally much lower than equivalent services in Western Europe or North America. International private health insurance policies typically cover mental health consultations when arranged through recognised facilities. Indonesia has also introduced targeted initiatives including mental health integration in schools, stricter tobacco controls, expanded NCD prevention programmes, digital health innovations, and life skills programmes designed to build resilience among young people.

Expats experiencing mental health difficulties should seek out a reputable private clinic or international hospital and confirm that their insurance policy covers mental health treatment. Online therapy platforms offer an increasingly practical alternative for those with reliable internet connectivity.

Are there any health risks specific to expats living in Indonesia?

Moving to Indonesia brings with it a distinct combination of environmental, infectious, and lifestyle health challenges that differ considerably from those in many other countries. Being well-informed before arrival allows for sensible precautions and reduces the likelihood of unnecessary health problems.

Climate and acclimatisation: Indonesia lies on the equator, meaning temperatures and humidity remain high throughout the year. Heat exhaustion and dehydration are genuine risks, especially during the first weeks after arrival and when engaging in physical exertion. Take time to adjust, drink plenty of fluids, and watch for early warning signs of heat-related illness.

Food and water safety: Diarrhoeal illness is a common but largely preventable health problem, driven by poor sanitation, unsafe water, and inadequate hygiene practices. Expats should drink only bottled or boiled water, exercise caution with raw salads, uncooked vegetables, and street food from unfamiliar stalls, and maintain thorough hand hygiene. Even with careful habits, some digestive adjustment during the first weeks is common.

Road safety: Traffic is often extremely congested and driving behaviour can be unpredictable. A number of expats have been killed or seriously injured in motorcycle accidents in Indonesia. Those who intend to ride a motorcycle should hold a valid licence, wear proper protective equipment, and confirm that both their health insurance and travel insurance explicitly cover motorcycle-related incidents.

Alcohol safety: Poisoning from methanol-adulterated alcoholic drinks has affected both locals and foreigners in Indonesia, in some cases fatally. Only purchase alcohol from established, licensed establishments.

Practical health steps for expats:

1. Before departure, visit a travel health clinic and complete all recommended vaccinations — ideally at least six weeks in advance.
2. Arrange comprehensive international health insurance that covers hospitalisation, evacuation, and where possible, mental health and dental care.
3. Register with a reputable private clinic or international hospital on arrival, particularly in your city of residence.
4. Undergo a baseline health screening, including checks for TB, blood glucose, and blood pressure, as these conditions are prevalent and often go undetected.
5. Take consistent mosquito bite precautions: use DEET-based repellent, sleep under treated nets if needed, and eliminate standing water around your home.
6. Join expat community groups, which often share practical recommendations for trusted local doctors and pharmacies.

Where can expats find reliable health information and services in Indonesia?

Finding trustworthy health information in an unfamiliar country can be daunting, especially in a vast and geographically diverse nation like Indonesia. Fortunately, a variety of official and practical resources are accessible to help expats stay informed and connect with appropriate care.

Official Indonesian health authorities:
The principal official source for health policy, vaccination guidelines, and disease surveillance in Indonesia is the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia (Kementerian Kesehatan RI). The ministry publishes public health advisories, guidelines, and information about the national health insurance programme (BPJS Kesehatan) at bpjs-kesehatan.go.id. Much of this content is in Bahasa Indonesia, so translation tools or assistance from Indonesian colleagues may be necessary.

International health organisations:
The World Health Organization’s Indonesia page offers country-level health data, disease outbreak notifications, and programme updates. The CDC’s Indonesia page covers infectious disease monitoring and vaccination guidance for those travelling from the United States. The CDC has worked alongside the Indonesian Government for more than 50 years, collaborating closely with the Ministry of Health and partner organisations to detect, prevent, and contain infectious disease outbreaks.

Travel health guidance:
Before relocating, check the travel health advisory issued by your home country — for example, the UK’s NHS Fit for Travel page for Indonesia, the US CDC travel health notices, or Australia’s Smartraveller platform from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. These resources are kept up to date and provide vaccination recommendations, disease risk assessments, and general health advisories relevant to expats and travellers.

Private and international healthcare in Indonesia:
Major cities — particularly Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, and Bandung — are home to internationally accredited private hospitals experienced in treating expatriates and providing multilingual services. Well-regarded institutions include Siloam Hospitals, MRCCC Siloam, Pondok Indah Hospital, and the BIMC network in Bali. Most international insurance providers maintain lists of approved facilities across Indonesia.

Health guidelines, vaccination requirements, and disease alert levels can shift quickly in Indonesia, as the COVID-19 pandemic vividly demonstrated. Always verify current information with official sources both before and after relocating, and make a habit of reviewing your home country’s travel advisory at least annually while living abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Issues in Indonesia

Is dengue fever a serious risk for expats in Indonesia?

All 30 provincial-level units in Indonesia are affected by dengue fever, according to the WHO. It is one of the most significant infectious disease risks for expats, particularly those arriving without prior exposure. There is no preventive medication; the key protective measures are consistent use of mosquito repellent, wearing appropriate clothing, and ensuring living spaces are screened against mosquitoes. Seek medical attention promptly if you develop a high fever, severe headache, or rash.

Do I need vaccinations to live in Indonesia?

All travellers and residents should be up to date with routine vaccinations recommended in their country of origin, including measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, and influenza. In addition, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and rabies vaccines are commonly recommended for long-term residents. Consult a travel health clinic at least six weeks before departure for a personalised vaccination plan, and check the latest guidance from your home country’s health authority.

Is the tap water safe to drink in Indonesia?

Tap water is not safe to drink in Indonesia, including in major cities. Always drink bottled, boiled, or properly filtered water. Be cautious with ice in drinks unless you are confident it has been made from treated water. This applies to brushing teeth as well, particularly when newly arrived. Many expat households use water dispensers with large sealed bottles from reputable suppliers.

How good is healthcare in Indonesia, and can expats access it?

Healthcare quality varies significantly. International private hospitals in Jakarta, Bali, and other major cities offer services that meet international standards, while rural and remote areas may have only basic facilities. While advancements in healthcare have improved outcomes, many conditions are still linked to lack of awareness and limited access to early detection. Expats are strongly advised to take out comprehensive international health insurance and register with a private clinic rather than relying on the public system.

How prevalent is tuberculosis in Indonesia, and should I be concerned?

Tuberculosis remains a major issue throughout Indonesia, which has one of the highest TB burdens globally. Most healthy adults with normal immune function are at low risk from casual contact, but those working in healthcare, densely crowded environments, or with people living in poverty may have higher exposure. A baseline TB test (such as a chest X-ray or IGRA blood test) before moving is advisable, with follow-up testing after an extended stay if recommended by your doctor.

Is air pollution a health concern in Indonesia?

Air pollution from traffic congestion in large cities, forest fires in plantation areas, and factory smoke near residential areas is a significant and ongoing concern. Jakarta regularly records some of the worst air quality readings of any major capital city in the world. Those with respiratory conditions, allergies, or young children should monitor air quality indices (available via apps such as IQAir or AirVisual) and take precautions on high-pollution days, such as using air purifiers indoors and wearing appropriate masks.

Are mental health services available for expats in Indonesia?

Private mental health services — including English-speaking therapists, counsellors, and psychiatrists — are available in major cities including Jakarta and Bali. However, government funding for mental health is very limited, with only around 1% of the total health budget allocated to mental health. Expats should ensure their international health insurance includes mental health coverage and research reputable private clinics before they are needed. Online therapy services are also an increasingly viable option.

What is the risk of malaria in Indonesia?

Malaria risk varies significantly by region: Maluku and Papua carry the highest burden, while Java and Bali have seen cases almost entirely eliminated. Expats moving to or regularly travelling in eastern Indonesia should seek specific medical advice about appropriate malaria prophylaxis. Those based in Bali, Java, or Sumatra’s main cities face a much lower risk but should still take mosquito precautions as a general habit. Check current risk levels with the WHO or your home country’s travel health authority before relocating.