Overview
Malaria in Indonesia varies sharply by island: high risk in Western New Guinea (Papua) and on Sumba island, moderate in Kalimantan and parts of East Nusa Tenggara (including eastern Flores, parts of Sulawesi, Tanimbar and Raja Ampat), and low elsewhere, including Bali, Java and Sumatra. Large cities such as Jakarta are malaria-free; Japanese encephalitis circulates nationwide year-round.
Recommended vaccines
Malaria by region
Preventive tablets are advised in the high-risk Papua and Sumba areas; elsewhere bite protection is usually enough, with tablets for higher-risk travellers in the moderate zones. If fever develops during or after the trip, get tested for malaria promptly.
Malaria risk is regional, concentrated in the areas detailed below.
Western New Guinea (Papua) and the whole of Sumba island: bite protection and preventive tablets are advised.
Kalimantan, the East Nusa Tenggara province (eastern Flores), some areas of Sulawesi, around Besikama on Timor island, and the Tanimbar and Raja Ampat islands: a moderate risk, bite protection advised, sometimes combined with preventive tablets for higher-risk travellers.
Bali, Java, Sumatra (with the islands west of Sumatra), most of Sulawesi, West Nusa Tenggara (including the Gili islands), western Flores, the islands east of Flores, Maluku, and most of Timor: a lower risk, where bite protection is enough.
Jakarta and other big cities.
Other health risks
Prepare your trip
Leaving in under 2 weeks? Still book a clinic: a first hepatitis A dose already protects, and yellow fever needs at least 10 days. A travel clinic will prioritise what fits your timeline.
Frequently asked questions
Is any vaccine required for Indonesia?
No vaccine is required if you arrive directly from Belgium. Yellow fever is only asked for if you come from (or transit through) a country where it circulates.
Is there a malaria risk?
Malaria: high risk depending on the region. Preventive tablets are advised in the high-risk Papua and Sumba areas; elsewhere bite protection is usually enough, with tablets for higher-risk travellers in the moderate zones. If fever develops during or after the trip, get tested for malaria promptly.
How far ahead of departure should I start?
Ideally 6 to 8 weeks before departure, to complete multi-dose schedules. Yellow fever, where it applies, must be given at least 10 days before arrival.
Our sources
Indicative information for a typical traveller, not medical advice. What you need depends on your itinerary, region, season and duration. See an approved travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure: only they can give yellow fever and issue the certificate.