Exercise Increased Caution
“There was no change to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.”
Updated Tue, 07 Jul 2026
Full advisory →Is Semarang safe? 🇮🇩
Indonesia · Safety report last updated
As of September 2026, Semarang scores 72/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes — Semarang is moderately safe for visitors who exercise normal precautions, though air quality and occasional protests require awareness. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams. The U.S. State Department rates it Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Semarang 🇮🇩
Indonesia · Assessed 30 September 2026
72
/ 100
Yes — generally safe
Safer than ~75% of countries
What drives this score
Crime71/100GoodCrime index 46.2 / 100
Sentiment79/100GoodMostly positive
Advisories72Good
Stability61Fair
Health62Fair
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
No advisory against travel
“Volcanic eruptions Volcanic eruptions occur frequently across Indonesia. In the event of a volcanic eruption, follow the latest advice issued by the local authorities, including on areas to avoid, exclusion zones and actions to take if air quality is affected.”
Updated 2026-09-18T10:54:47Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)
“Canada's official risk level for Indonesia: exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories).”
Updated 2026-09-24T08:53:34.2730629-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Good
Urban scale factor
1.7M residents
62
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
0.3 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Indonesia0.3Switzerland0.6World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
100
Robbery / mugging
LowArmed robbery risk to visitors is low; incidents are rare and typically not targeted at tourists
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag-snatching occur in crowded markets, buses, and tourist hubs like Simpang Lima, especially during peak hours
▸ 3 more indicators▾ Hide extra indicators
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Fair
04 · Institutions
Stability
Fair
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Stable
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
79/100
Reported feel63Mostly positive
Robbery risk92Low risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
62.8% of residents report feeling safe walking alone after dark (UN SDG 2020), and recent traveler notes describe locals as friendly and helpful, though some cite flooding and heat as daily discomforts
Yes — Semarang is moderately safe for visitors who exercise normal precautions, though air quality and occasional protests require awareness.
Semarang has a composite safety index of 64/100 (moderate), with low homicide and terrorism risks but elevated concerns around air quality (AQI 226, very unhealthy) and political instability. Visitors should be alert to pickpocketing in crowded areas and scams targeting tourists, while staying informed about local demonstrations and heat-related hazards.
Recent developments
- Sep 2026Evacuation of 500 tourists from Karimunjawa Islands due to safety concerns, with PT Pelni deploying fast response; travel safety emphasized as top priority by Minister of SOEs— VOI.ID
- Jun 2026Student protest wave reached Central Java, including Semarang, reflecting broader unrest over economic and political issues in Indonesia— Tempo.co English
- Jun 2026Indonesian Police busted an international pig butchering ring with 11 foreign suspects, indicating ongoing transnational crime activity in the region— ANTARA News
- Aug 2025A protest-related fire in Indonesia killed three people after anger erupted over a driver’s death, highlighting potential for sporadic violence during demonstrations— france24.com
Common scams
- Taxi overcharging or fake meter scams
- Fake Bluebird taxi offers
- Pickpocketing distraction techniques in markets or transit
Full briefing
Semarang presents a moderate safety profile for travelers, with a composite safety index of 64/100, placing it safer than about 63% of countries globally. The city benefits from exceptionally low homicide (0.3 per 100k) and near-zero terrorism deaths, but faces challenges from very unhealthy air quality (AQI 226), episodic political unrest, and environmental hazards like extreme heat and flooding. While violent crime against tourists is rare, visitors should remain vigilant in crowded areas where pickpocketing and scams are more common, particularly around transit hubs and markets.
Recent developments underscore the importance of situational awareness. In September 2026, VOI.ID reported the evacuation of 500 tourists from the Karimunjawa Islands due to safety concerns, with officials stressing that travel safety is a top priority. Earlier in June 2026, Tempo.co English noted that student protests spread to Central Java, including Semarang, reflecting nationwide tensions over economic and governance issues. Additionally, ANTARA News reported in June 2026 that Indonesian police dismantled an international pig butchering ring involving 11 foreign suspects, signaling that transnational criminal networks operate in the region. These events, while not directly targeting tourists, suggest a need to avoid large gatherings and stay informed via local news or hotel advisories.
To stay safe, travelers should use only reputable transport like official Bluebird or Grab taxis, as fake taxi offers and meter scams are frequently reported. Pickpocketing is a moderate risk in crowded places such as Simpang Lima, Pasar Johar, and on public trans-Semarang buses — keep phones, wallets, and jewelry concealed, preferably in a money belt. Given the persistently poor air quality, carrying a mask and limiting prolonged outdoor activity, especially during midday heat, is advisable. Health-wise, dengue and Zika are present; use insect repellent, stay in accommodations with screens or air conditioning, and consume only bottled or purified water. While locals are generally friendly and helpful, respect local customs — such as avoiding prolonged eye contact or touching heads — to prevent unintended friction. By exercising normal precautions and staying alert to protests, air quality alerts, and common scams, visitors can enjoy Semarang’s cultural sites and cuisine with confidence.
06 · After Dark
Is Semarang safe at night?
63% of people in Indonesia say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2020).
Armed robbery risk to visitors is low; incidents are rare and typically not targeted at tourists
No specific districts were flagged as no-go areas after dark, but the usual night-time rules apply: stay in lit, populated areas and keep your phone out of sight.
07 · Questions
Semarang safety FAQ
Is Semarang safe for tourists right now?
Yes — Semarang is moderately safe for visitors who exercise normal precautions, though air quality and occasional protests require awareness. Semarang has a composite safety index of 64/100 (moderate), with low homicide and terrorism risks but elevated concerns around air quality (AQI 226, very unhealthy) and political instability. Visitors should be alert to pickpocketing in crowded areas and scams targeting tourists, while staying informed about local demonstrations and heat-related hazards. (Assessed 30 September 2026.)
Which areas of Semarang should tourists avoid?
No districts were flagged as no-go areas for visitors at the last assessment.
What are the most common scams in Semarang?
- Taxi overcharging or fake meter scams
- Fake Bluebird taxi offers
- Pickpocketing distraction techniques in markets or transit
How does Semarang compare with other places in Indonesia?
Semarang ranks #7 of 9 Indonesia destinations we've assessed, scoring 72/100. See the Indonesia safety overview for the full list.
How is this Semarang safety score calculated?
The score blends 14+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
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4 reportsBrowse the Indonesia safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: semarang.json (CC BY 4.0).