Common Tourist Scams in Jakarta (and How to Avoid Them)
The 'fake police' / 'fake immigration officer' scam
- The pattern: someone in police-or-immigration uniform (sometimes genuine corrupt officer, sometimes complete fake) approaches a foreigner; cites a "violation" (passport not on you, visa technicality, "drug check"); demands payment of "fine" in cash IDR 500,000-5,000,000 ($30-300); refuses to issue receipt or escort to station.
- Where: tourist neighbourhoods (Jakarta Old Town, Central Jakarta hotels, around Pusat Cikini); also occasionally at airport arrivals.
- Defences: always carry passport copy (original in hotel safe); ask for badge ID and station name; refuse to pay any "fine" without official ticket; insist on going to police station to pay (this usually ends the encounter — most fake/corrupt officers don't want station scrutiny).
- If detained: contact your embassy. UK Embassy +62 21 2356 5200; US Embassy +62 21 5083 1000.
- Pickpocketing: TransJakarta buses, Tanah Abang market, dense tourist zones — standard precautions.
- Drink-spiking: documented in Jakarta nightlife; standard precautions (don't accept open drinks; don't leave drinks unattended).
- Petty motorbike-snatch: phones and bags from pedestrians; less common in central Jakarta than HCMC but happens.
FAQ
- What's the biggest scam to avoid in Jakarta?
- The "fake police" or "fake immigration officer" shake-down is the most reliably reported. Someone in police-or-immigration uniform (sometimes genuine corrupt officer, sometimes complete fake) approaches a foreigner, cites a violation, demands a cash "fine" of IDR 500,000-5,000,000, and refuses to issue a receipt or escort to a station. Always carry a passport copy (original in hotel safe), ask for badge ID and station name, refuse to pay any cash "fine" without an official ticket, and insist on going to the actual police station to pay — that demand usually ends the encounter because most fake or corrupt officers don't want station scrutiny. If detained, contact your embassy (UK: +62 21 2356 5200; US: +62 21 5083 1000).
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