Indonesia – Animal Welfare and Cultural Issues

What are the general attitudes toward pets and animals in Indonesia?

With a population exceeding 270 million people living across thousands of islands, Indonesia encompasses an extraordinary range of attitudes toward animals. In large metropolitan centres such as Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bandung, keeping pets has become increasingly popular, fuelled by growing disposable incomes and the influence of global lifestyle trends. Indonesia’s pet care sector has expanded rapidly, reaching a value of more than USD 1.2 billion in 2024 — a clear indicator of how urban Indonesians’ relationships with companion animals have changed.

Among wealthier city households, dogs, cats, and birds are cherished as household companions. However, this outlook is far from universal. In contrast to much of Northern Europe — where animals are routinely regarded as family members and benefit from robust legal protections and widespread desexing programmes — Indonesia’s culture around pets is still maturing, and working dogs, guard animals, and loosely kept creatures remain commonplace, especially outside urban areas.

Opposition to harmful treatment of animals is gaining ground, particularly among younger Indonesians, driven by the spread of pet ownership and heightened awareness of welfare concerns. This shift is most evident in cities, where vibrant social media communities centred on pet care have flourished.

In villages and smaller settlements, animals are more typically kept for utilitarian reasons — protection, pest control, or income generation. Stray dogs and cats are a familiar presence throughout the archipelago, much as they are across much of Southeast Asia. Regional and religious distinctions are enormously important: areas with Muslim majorities tend to hold markedly different attitudes toward dogs (discussed further in the cultural considerations section), while Hindu-majority Bali maintains its own unique relationship with animals, one shaped by the values of Balinese Hinduism.

What laws and regulations govern pet ownership in Indonesia?

There is no single, consolidated piece of legislation in Indonesia governing pet ownership comparable to the frameworks found in countries such as Germany or Australia. Instead, the rules are distributed across national laws, ministerial regulations, and local government ordinances that differ considerably from one municipality to the next. Expats are advised to consult their local city or district government (kabupaten/kota) for any area-specific requirements, since these can vary substantially.

Expats wishing to bring animals into the country must obtain a formal import permit together with a recommendation from the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture (Directorate of Animal Health). Pets are required to enter through designated ports of entry, such as Jakarta’s Soekarno–Hatta Airport or Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport, depending on the restrictions applicable to the destination region.

Those planning to keep a pet in Indonesia should ensure that their accommodation is suitable. Some apartment complexes, condominiums, and rental properties prohibit animals entirely, while others permit only specific breeds or sizes. Tenants should carefully review building rules before committing to a lease, and remain considerate of community norms — certain neighbourhoods are sensitive to noise or to the presence of particular types of animals.

Wolf hybrids, Savannah cats, and Bengal cats are excluded from standard import pathways unless the animal is at least fifth-generation removed from wild ancestry. Unlike Germany, where formal dog registration and an annual dog tax (Hundesteuer) are compulsory, Indonesia has no national pet registration scheme. Vaccination records — particularly for rabies — remain important for both import requirements and general domestic purposes. Keeping protected species such as orangutans, Sumatran tigers, pangolins, and a wide range of bird species as pets is prohibited by law.

Advocacy groups have called on the Indonesian government to introduce regulations with clear enforcement mechanisms that place a duty of care on animal owners and establish standards for pet shops, rescue centres, and commercial breeders. As of 2025, no comprehensive national companion animal licensing scheme is in place, though this may evolve as welfare advocacy intensifies. Up-to-date requirements can be verified directly with the Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health Services (Direktorat Jenderal Peternakan dan Kesehatan Hewan) within the Ministry of Agriculture.

Are there animal welfare laws in Indonesia, and how are they enforced?

By international standards, Indonesia’s animal welfare legislation is modest in scope. The Criminal Code prohibits the deliberate infliction of unnecessary harm on animals. Law 18 of 2009 addresses welfare more directly, requiring that steps be taken to safeguard animal welfare in relation to capture, husbandry, slaughter, and transportation.

The provisions extend to vertebrates and certain invertebrates capable of experiencing pain. The law frames animals primarily as productive assets, with an emphasis on health and output rather than the prevention of cruelty. Law 18 of 2009 was subsequently amended by Law 41 of 2014 on Animal Husbandry and Animal Health, which reinforced several of its provisions. Secondary legislation introduced in 2012 requires that suffering at slaughter be minimised, that the Five Freedoms be upheld, and that anyone engaged in working with animals demonstrate competence in the area of animal welfare.

More recently, the Government of Indonesia formally issued Minister of Agriculture Regulation No. 32 of 2025 on the Implementation of Animal Welfare, creating a legal foundation for livestock management practices consistent with welfare principles, including provisions for cage-free egg production systems. This marks a meaningful step forward in the country’s regulatory development.

Notwithstanding this progress, practical enforcement of existing welfare protections continues to present a major challenge. Unlike some other elements of Law 18 of 2009, the animal welfare provisions are largely self-contained within the legislation and lack clear enforcement mechanisms. Article 303 of the Indonesian Penal Code prescribes a maximum sentence of three months’ imprisonment or a maximum fine of 300 rupiahs for those convicted of minor ill-treatment of animals, including the deliberate infliction of pain or the wilful withholding of necessary sustenance. This penalty is widely regarded as inadequate.

By comparison with jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom — where the Animal Welfare Act 2006 imposes a positive duty of care on owners, with penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment for serious cruelty — Indonesia’s protections are considerably weaker in both reach and practical effect. In 2014, Indonesia’s animal protection framework received a grade of D on World Animal Protection’s Animal Protection Index, which uses a scale from A to G.

Enforcement responsibilities are shared across several bodies. The Ministry of Environment and Forestry has oversight of wildlife conservation and protection regulations. Since 2003, Indonesia has operated a Wildlife Crimes Unit that works nationally and collaborates with law enforcement agencies, multiple government ministries, and the Supreme Court of Indonesia. For matters relating to companion animals and livestock welfare, the primary authority is the Ministry of Agriculture’s Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health Services. Readers may consult current legislation via the Ministry of Environment and Forestry and the Ministry of Agriculture.

What animal welfare charities and rescue organisations operate in Indonesia?

Despite the shortcomings of the formal regulatory environment, Indonesia hosts an active and committed network of animal welfare charities and rescue organisations. Many are concentrated in Bali and Jakarta. Expats newly arrived in Indonesia frequently find these groups to be invaluable first points of contact — whether for rehoming a rescue animal, offering their time as a volunteer, or simply gaining a better understanding of the local animal welfare landscape.

Bali Animal Welfare Association (BAWA) — bawabali.com
BAWA is dedicated to improving the lives of animals throughout Bali. Founded in 2007 by long-term Bali resident Janice Girardi, this registered non-profit has worked relentlessly to address the root causes of animal mistreatment through close engagement with local communities. According to BAWA, up to a thousand animals in severe distress or life-threatening situations are brought into their facilities or clinics each year, and at any given time the organisation cares for between 250 and 300 animals across its four adoption centres, clinics, and network of foster homes. BAWA is an outstanding resource for expats in Bali who are seeking to adopt a rescued animal.

Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN) — jaanimal.org
JAAN is a highly active non-profit organisation that campaigns on issues including primate cruelty and illegal wildlife trafficking, while also conducting wildlife rescues and rehabilitation at its centres and running spay and neuter programmes for stray animals. Operating primarily across Java, JAAN is an important voice in advocacy for stronger national animal welfare legislation and is well placed to assist expats in the Jakarta region.

Bali Pet Crusaders
Faced with an ever-increasing population of stray dogs and cats across Bali, Bali Pet Crusaders provides mobile and free-of-charge sterilisation services for strays and for local families who lack the means to pay for veterinary care. Founded by Australian animal welfare advocate Deb Banfield in partnership with local charity Yayasan Seva Bhuana, the organisation’s team of professional veterinarians travels through rural communities and rabies-affected zones across the island, delivering medical care, education, and support to local families.

FOUR PAWS International — four-paws.org
Working alongside local partner BAWA, FOUR PAWS has convened collaborative workshops bringing together stakeholders from the Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Tourism to advance rabies eradication efforts in Bali. Through this partnership, the two organisations have safely vaccinated more than 6,900 dogs since 2019.

ProFauna Indonesia — profauna.net
ProFauna Indonesia is a non-governmental organisation focused on animal rights and welfare, working to share knowledge and raise public awareness. ProFauna is particularly active in campaigns against the illegal wildlife trade and the practice of keeping protected species as pets.

Dog Meat Free Indonesia (DMFI) — dogmeatfreeindonesia.org
Humane Society International (HSI) is a founding member of the Dog Meat Free Indonesia (DMFI) coalition, which brings together international and domestic organisations to end the trade in dog and cat meat across Indonesia. DMFI has successfully persuaded dozens of cities and provinces to adopt directives banning the trade.

What should expats know about bringing a pet into Indonesia?

Relocating to Indonesia with a pet is an involved, time-intensive, and potentially expensive undertaking that demands thorough advance planning. Indonesia enforces stringent rules on animal imports — especially for dogs and cats — and these are applied with particular rigour in Bali, where the authorities are managing an ongoing effort to control and eliminate rabies. Expats should begin the preparation process at least three months before their planned departure date and should always confirm current requirements directly with the relevant authority, as regulations are subject to change.

Import permits are administered by Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture (Kementerian Pertanian) through the Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health Services (Direktorat Jenderal Peternakan dan Kesehatan Hewan). The official website is ditjenpkh.pertanian.go.id. Always consult this resource for the most current requirements before making travel arrangements.

The step-by-step process for importing a dog or cat into Indonesia is as follows:

1. Microchip your pet. Your pet needs an ISO-compatible microchip for identification. This must be in place before any vaccinations are recorded against it.
2. Vaccinate against rabies and other diseases. Your pet must have a current rabies vaccination. After this (usually at least 30 days later), an approved lab must do a blood test (FAVN or RNATT). This test proves sufficient rabies antibodies — usually 0.5 IU/ml or higher. All vaccinations must be given between 21 days and one year before transport to Indonesia.
3. Obtain a health certificate. A licensed vet in your country must give you an official health certificate very close to your departure — typically 5–10 days before. The certificate must be issued by a government-authorised veterinarian and state that your pet is clinically healthy, vaccinated, and fit to travel.
4. Apply for an import permit. Expats must obtain an official import permit, along with a recommendation from the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture (Directorate of Animal Health). The import licence must be obtained at least one week prior to the arrival of the animal, meaning you should start the process approximately two weeks before the animal’s arrival. The import permit is only valid for a 30-day period.
5. Arrange travel to a designated entry airport. Flights should be direct if the duration of the flight does not violate animal welfare laws. Layovers should be short and not involve a change in airline. Pets typically must enter via Jakarta’s Soekarno–Hatta Airport.
6. Undergo quarantine. There will be 7–14 days of quarantine imposed on your dog or cat when entering Indonesia from non-rabies-free countries, if all pet import regulations are met. Owners are not permitted to visit the quarantine facility, which can be emotionally challenging. However, updates are typically provided by the quarantine team or your appointed relocation agent.
7. Pay quarantine fees. There is a fee paid to the Indonesian government for quarantine services. The total cost — including flights, veterinary checks, rabies titer tests, import permits, and quarantine — can easily reach several thousand US dollars. Check with the Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health Services for current fee schedules.

Special note on Bali: Certain regions of the country, including the popular destination of Bali, restrict the entry of pets. Any quarantine for your pet will happen at the first entry point in Indonesia (like Jakarta), not in Bali. Expats relocating specifically to Bali should use a reputable pet relocation specialist and should verify the current legal position with the Ministry of Agriculture before making plans.

Indonesia classifies the following countries as rabies-free: Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Hawaii, Taiwan, Japan, Ireland, Iceland, Bermuda, Brunei Darussalam, Sabah and Sarawak, Cyprus, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Malta, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong, Turks and Caicos Islands, and the United States. Pets arriving from these countries may face a simplified process — but always confirm current requirements directly with the authorities, as classifications can change.

Where can expats buy pet food, supplies, and veterinary care in Indonesia?

Access to pet products and veterinary services has improved considerably over the past ten years, most notably in major urban centres. Nevertheless, a pronounced disparity exists between what is available in a city like Jakarta or in Bali versus what can be found in smaller towns and rural communities.

Indonesia’s pet care market was valued at more than USD 1.2 billion in 2024, with pet food representing a significant portion of that figure. As of 2025, more than 50 business units from countries including the USA, Netherlands, Australia, Germany, and South Korea have received approval from the Ministry of Agriculture to supply the Indonesian pet food market, which means that a reasonable selection of international brands is available — particularly in larger cities.

In Jakarta, Surabaya, Bali, and Bandung, dedicated pet shops are widely accessible, carrying dry and wet food, accessories, bedding, grooming products, and basic medications. Major supermarket chains such as Carrefour (now Trans Mart), Hypermart, and Giant typically stock a basic range of pet food. Online marketplaces including Tokopedia, Shopee, and Lazada all maintain extensive pet supply sections with nationwide delivery, making them particularly useful for expats in areas with limited physical retail options.

Veterinary clinics are well established across all major cities. In Bali, the expat community has helped sustain the development of several clinics operating to international standards, and the welfare organisations listed above — BAWA in particular — also run clinics that are open to the general public. Veterinary consultations, pet food, and accessories are generally more affordable in Indonesia than in many Western countries. That said, specialist veterinary care — including complex surgery or advanced diagnostic procedures — may be difficult to access outside the main cities, and expats with animals requiring specialist treatment may need to travel to Jakarta or Surabaya.

In rural areas, veterinary infrastructure is thin and the variety of available pet food brands is likely to be severely limited. Expats living beyond major urban centres should plan accordingly and consider purchasing non-perishable supplies in bulk through online delivery services.

Are there cultural taboos, sensitivities, or religious considerations around specific animals?

A sound understanding of Indonesia’s cultural and religious diversity is essential for any expat who keeps a pet. With approximately 87% of the population identifying as Muslim, dogs are a subject of considerable cultural sensitivity in many parts of the country. Within Islamic jurisprudence, dogs are generally regarded as ritually impure (najis), meaning that physical contact requires ritual cleansing. Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) also requires that animals be handled with care, fed adequately, and protected from unnecessary suffering, with prohibitions on overloading, purposeless mutilation, and killing for sport. That said, views vary enormously: many Indonesian Muslims keep dogs as guard animals, and in urban settings, dog ownership among Muslim families is not unusual, particularly among younger generations.

Expats with dogs should exercise care when walking them in public, especially near mosques, Islamic boarding schools (pesantren), or in socially conservative neighbourhoods. Keeping dogs on leads and maintaining a respectful distance from people who may not wish to come into contact with them is considered appropriate. Avoid allowing dogs to enter shops or dining establishments uninvited, and remain sensitive to the possibility that neighbours or other community members may feel uncomfortable with dogs in communal spaces.

In Hindu-majority Bali, cockfighting — known locally as tajen — remains woven into religious ceremony as a means of expelling malevolent spirits, with roosters equipped with sharpened blades during bouts. Despite criticism from international animal welfare advocates, the practice continues under the oversight of village communities. Expats should recognise that this and other such traditions are deeply rooted in local religious practice, and voicing public criticism is likely to cause significant offence.

In Bali and parts of eastern Indonesia, the Balinese Hindu tradition accords certain animals considerable spiritual significance. Cows are treated with reverence within Hindu culture and are rarely eaten in Bali, even though beef is consumed widely elsewhere in the country. Monkeys — particularly at sacred sites such as Ubud’s Monkey Forest — are considered holy and must not be disturbed or harmed.

In eastern regions such as North Sulawesi and parts of Flores, the consumption of dog meat is a customary practice, particularly during festivals. This is highly localised and is largely absent from the experience of expats living in Bali, Jakarta, or other large cities. Nevertheless, it is worth understanding that such practices exist and carry deep cultural meaning for certain communities.

More broadly, public awareness of the harms associated with keeping wildlife as pets remains relatively low in Indonesia, which complicates the enforcement of wildlife protection laws. Expats are encouraged to set a positive example by refusing to purchase exotic or wild animals from markets — both for ethical reasons and because doing so may constitute a criminal offence.

What is the situation regarding stray or feral animals in Indonesia?

Stray dogs and cats are a familiar feature of daily life across Indonesia, from city streets to remote villages. The problem is especially pronounced in Bali. The island’s long-running struggle with rabies is closely linked to the large population of free-roaming dogs, estimated at around 500,000. The absence of comprehensive vaccination and sterilisation programmes has allowed the disease to persist.

The public health consequences are serious. The Bali provincial health ministry recorded more than 39,000 people bitten by animals suspected of carrying rabies in 2024, with dogs responsible for approximately 90 percent of these incidents. Rabies is present across much of Indonesia and represents a genuine hazard for expats — especially those who spend time outdoors, in rural settings, or near wildlife. Pre-exposure rabies vaccination is strongly recommended for adults and children, particularly those intending to remain in the country long-term or who enjoy nature-based activities. Consult the WHO Indonesia country office and your home country’s travel health authority for current guidance before you travel.

While it may be tempting to approach the friendly stray dogs and cats you encounter, physical contact with these animals is best avoided. Strays are more likely to harbour the rabies virus and may bite or scratch when they feel threatened. Maintain a safe distance and resist the urge to pet or feed them, regardless of how approachable they may appear. Monkeys can also transmit rabies through bites or scratches, so caution is warranted when visiting monkey forests or other sites where these animals congregate.

If you are bitten or scratched by any animal in Indonesia, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention without delay — even if you have previously received rabies vaccination.

The Indonesian government has been urged to amend Law 18 of 2009 to extend explicit protections to stray animals and to promote humane stray animal population management at the national level, including responsible ownership, mass vaccination campaigns, and reproductive control measures. In Bali, the regional government has been working alongside organisations such as BAWA on mass dog vaccination drives and community awareness initiatives. Trap-neuter-return (TNR) programmes are run by a number of NGOs, though coverage remains uneven, and government-led culling has occurred in some areas in the past.

Expats in Bali and elsewhere often find themselves well positioned to make a direct difference — by adopting from a shelter, fostering animals in need, donating to local charities, or reporting welfare concerns to organisations like BAWA or JAAN. Adopting a dog or cat from a reputable shelter such as BAWA or BARC is a particularly meaningful option: these animals are already adapted to the tropical climate, vaccinated against rabies, and frequently well socialised. By adopting locally, expats also bypass the complex import process and give a deserving animal a second chance at a settled life.

Frequently asked questions about pets and animal welfare in Indonesia

Can I bring my dog or cat to Bali directly?

For short trips, you generally cannot bring your pet to Bali directly. Even bringing a pet into Indonesia at all is a very complicated process that takes many months to prepare. Quarantine takes place at the first point of entry into Indonesia — typically Jakarta — and not in Bali itself. Use a licensed pet relocation specialist and verify the latest rules with the Ministry of Agriculture before making any arrangements.

How long is quarantine for pets entering Indonesia?

Pets are required to undergo quarantine. The quarantine period is usually 7 to 14 days. The standard quarantine period is 14 days, but it may be extended if there are any irregularities in paperwork, health status, or vaccination records. Costs are covered by the importer. Check with the Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health Services for current fee schedules, as these change.

Is it safe to interact with stray animals in Indonesia?

No. Rabies is present across much of Indonesia, including Bali. Rabies is a deadly virus that can be passed to humans through bites or scratches from infected animals, most often stray dogs or monkeys. You should avoid all contact with stray animals and seek immediate medical attention if bitten or scratched. Pre-exposure vaccination is strongly recommended for long-term residents.

Are there breed restrictions on dogs in Indonesia?

Wolf hybrids, Savannah cats, and Bengal cats cannot be imported under standard regulations unless they are at least 5th generation removed from the wild pedigree. There is no national list of banned domestic dog breeds equivalent to those found in countries like Germany or the UK, but local regulations can vary. Check with your city or district government for any local breed-specific rules.

What vaccinations does my pet need before entering Indonesia?

All up-to-date vaccinations must be given between 21 days and one year before transport to Indonesia. For dogs: Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, and Parvovirus (DHLP). For cats: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP). A rabies vaccination and a rabies antibody titre test are also required. Always confirm the current list with the Ministry of Agriculture before travelling.

How do I find a vet in Indonesia?

In major cities — particularly Jakarta, Surabaya, Bali, and Bandung — veterinary clinics are reasonably easy to find, and some operate to international standards. Animal welfare organisations such as BAWA (in Bali) and JAAN (in Jakarta) can provide referrals. In rural areas, veterinary services are much more limited. Expat community groups on social media are often the most practical resource for finding recommended local vets.

Is it acceptable to walk a dog in public in Indonesia?

In most urban areas and tourist destinations, walking a dog on a lead is broadly accepted. However, given the religious sensitivities surrounding dogs in a majority-Muslim country, expats should be respectful: keep dogs on a lead at all times in public, avoid walking close to mosques or Islamic schools, and be ready to give space to people who are uncomfortable around dogs. In Bali, attitudes tend to be more relaxed given the Hindu-majority population in many parts of the island.

Can I adopt a rescue pet locally rather than importing my own animal?

Yes. Adopting a dog or cat from a reputable shelter such as BAWA or BARC is a meaningful and practical option. These animals are already acclimated to the tropical climate, vaccinated against rabies, and often well-socialised. By adopting locally, you not only avoid the complex import process but also give a second chance to an animal in need. JAAN in Jakarta, Mission Pawsible, and Bali Paws are among the other organisations facilitating adoptions.