The Department of Foreign Affairs and Travel (DFAT) release advice regarding international travel. The following advice is directed at travellers within the University community.

08/08/19 - Research in Indonesia

DFAT advice continues to be that a traveller to Indonesia cannot work or conduct research in Indonesia unless they have the appropriate visa. If the traveller breaches Indonesian immigration regulations, they can be fined, jailed, deported or banned from re-entry.

New Requirements

Foreign nationals conducting research in Indonesia are now advised to reconfirm their compliance with local regulations.

New requirements now state that foreign researchers must now seek ethical approval from the Research, Technology and Higher Education Ministry, together with pre-existing visa and permit requirements for conducting research.

The Indonesian embassy in Canberra has published details on their website specially for scientific researchers:

• https://www.kbri-canberra.go.id/en/menu-visa-service/research-visa
• https://international.ristekdikti.go.id/foreign-research-permit/

Penalties for non-compliance with this policy now include criminal prosecution with the possibility of imprisonment.

As this change is specifically directed to researchers, this should be taken seriously when considering or approving any travel to Indonesia.

Travellers intending to conduct research are advised to contact their nearest Indonesian Embassy for advice.

General Advice

DFAT advice regarding imprisonment or detention in Indonesia and other higher risk countries continues to be as follows:

When you are overseas, local laws and penalties (including ones that may appear harsh by Australian standards) apply to you. Some countries impose tough penalties including corporal punishment, life imprisonment and the death penalty. If you are arrested or detained overseas, you have the right to contact the Australian government, but the Australian government cannot override local law, even when they appear harsh by Australian standards.