With everything happening in the world right now, it’s understandable that people are feeling unsure about travel – especially when many flights heading to Southeast Asia often pass through or near the Middle East.
If you’re considering a trip to Indonesia this year, you’re probably facing some indecision and anxiety, and wondering:
- Is it safe to travel to Indonesia right now?
- Are flights affected?
- What’s the situation with petrol/gas over there?
- Should I postpone or cancel?
We don’t have a crystal ball to predict the future, but we do live here in Sumatra, Indonesia, and can offer a clear, no-drama breakdown of what is actually happening here right now, as well as some insight on flight routes and reassurance about life and travel on the ground.
Let’s get into it.
Contents
Quick Answer: Is Indonesia Safe Right Now?
Yes, Indonesia is perfectly safe to travel to right now.
The current situation in the Middle East is not affecting safety within Indonesia.
There’s no unrest, no changes on the ground, and tourism is continuing as normal across the country.
Places like Bali, Java, and Sumatra and beyond are operating exactly as they were before.
In fact, once you get here, it’s probably a fantastic time to explore. With fewer tourists than usual, places are likely to be less crowded and a little more peaceful.
Is There a Fuel Shortage in Indonesia?
At the time of writing (late March, 2026), Sumatra has not been affected by petrol shortages, and we’ve not heard of any issues in other parts of Indonesia.
The price has not increased either: it’s still around 12,000 IDR per litre ($1.02 AUD/USD $0.71/€0.61).
There have been no shortages, and fuel is readily available here at the moment. The main supplier, Pertamina, has confirmed that they have sufficient supplies (including jet fuel) and are not predicting any issues.
However, things can change quickly. If you’d like to stay up to date on all things travel-related, we suggest following our Facebook Page and/or Instagram account. Here, we post important news and updates as soon as they happen.
Are Flights to Indonesia Affected by the Conflict in the Middle East?
This is one of the things travellers are concerned about. Booking flights is one thing, but the uncertainty of potential last-minute cancellations, reroutes, or endless delays isn’t just an inconvenience – it’s a very scary obstacle for some travellers.
Many people are concerned about flying through the Middle East, and that’s understandable.
However, it’s important to know that:
- Flights to Indonesia are still running
- Airlines are used to adjusting routes when needed
- There are multiple alternative routes that don’t involve the Middle East at all
In other words, getting to Indonesia is still very doable – you just might want to be a bit more intentional about your route.
Of course, there are still boxes to tick if you’re planning a visit to Indonesia. Want to know the requirements? Find out everything you need to know at our Indonesia Visa Guide page.
How to Avoid Flying Through the Middle East
Many (but not all) major flight routes from Europe or the United States to Indonesia transit through places like Doha (DOH) and Dubai (DXB).
At this time, authorities are advising to avoid Middle East airspace if possible – there are legitimate risks of more than just some travel inconvenience and delays.
The good news is that if you’d rather avoid transiting through the Middle East entirely, you absolutely can.
Most travellers can choose routes that pass through major Asian hubs instead, such as:
- Singapore (SIN)
- Tokyo (NRT/HND)
- Seoul (ICN)
- Taipei (TPE)
- Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
- Istanbul (IST)
- Bangkok (BGK)
- Hong Kong (HKG)
These are some of the most common and reliable transit points for reaching Southeast Asia/Indonesia.
To help with your research and planning, we’ve put together a simple, practical guide to the best flight routes (including airlines and example routes) here:
What It's Actually Like in Indonesia Right Now
Many travel websites are just going off news reports or what they read online, but we’re not just another travel site: we’re real people who have been living and travelling in Sumatra for 10+ years.
Here’s the real deal of what it’s actually like in Sumatra, Indonesia right now from our perspective.
Here on the ground, things feel totally normal.
If you were already planning a trip, you wouldn’t arrive and feel like something is “off” or unstable.
Tourists are still arriving, especially in well-known destinations like Bali or Jakarta.
In our part of Indonesia (North Sumatra), there is a slight slowdown compared to peak periods, but nothing too drastic yet.
More importantly, day-to-day life hasn’t changed:
- Transport is running as usual
- Accommodation is open and operating normally
- Tours and activities are continuing
Want to see what it’s like before you book? We post videos regularly to YouTube about life in Sumatra. Feel free to join us here: Exploring Sumatra with Agung & Carly.
Should You Postpone Your Indonesia Trip?
The answer to this question depends more on your comfort level than the situation itself.
For many people, the idea of being far away from home at a time when the world is in turmoil is really scary. We get it – things feel unpredictable, and there are a lot of “what-ifs” at the moment.
You might want to postpone your trip if:
- You’re a very anxious flyer right now
- You’re uncomfortable with potential route changes
- You’d rather wait until things feel more predictable globally
But for most travellers:
- Flights are still available
- Routes can be adjusted
- Indonesia itself remains unaffected
If you’re reasonably comfortable with travel and okay with the idea of going with the flow and adapting if things change, there’s no need to cancel at this point.
Right now, the biggest issue isn’t what’s happening in Indonesia – it’s how global events are making people feel about travel.
Here’s our local perspective right now:
- Indonesia is safe
- Travel is continuing
- With a bit of planning, getting here is still straightforward
Want to know more about travelling safely in Sumatra? You’ll find all the info you need in this blog:
➡️ Is Sumatra Safe?
Plan Your Trip to Sumatra, Indonesia
Whether you decide to YOLO it and take that trip you’ve been dreaming of, or pause for a bit to see what happens, there’s no harm in a bit of planning and prep right now.
Sumatra isn’t going anywhere – and neither are we. Whenever you decide to visit, we’ll be ready and waiting to welcome you!
In the meantime, why not have something to look forward to. Trip planning is all part of the excitement, and we’ve made it simple for you with our detailed North Sumatra Travel Guide & Itinerary Planner.
This eBook has everything you need to know to plan an incredible trip, so once you get off the plane, you have nothing to stress about and can just have the time of your life.
If you’re still in trip planning mode, check out the eBook here:
➡️ North Sumatra Travel Guide & Itinerary Planner
