Exercise Increased Caution
“There was no change to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.”
Updated Tue, 07 Jul 2026
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Is Semarang safe? 🇮🇩
Indonesia · Safety report last updated
As of September 2026, Semarang scores 66/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: mostly — take normal precautions. 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 2 September 2026
66
/ 100
Mostly — take normal precautions
Safer than ~66% of countries
What drives this score
Crime70/100GoodCrime index 46.2 / 100
Sentiment79/100GoodMostly positive
Advisories50Caution
Stability61Fair
Health60Fair
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Caution
Advises against all travel to parts of the country
“Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against all travel FCDO advises against all travel to a number of volcanoes in Indonesia: Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, on Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara Province to within 7km of the crater Mount Sinabung, Karo Regency, North Sumatra to within 5km of the crater Mount Marapi, West Sumatra to within 3km of the crater Mount Semeru, Lumajang Regency, East Java to within 5km of the crater in the south-east of Mount Semura to within 500m from any riverbank of the Besuk Kobokan river for 13km from the crater Mount Ruang, Northern Sulawesi to within 7km of the crater Mount Ibu, North Maluku Province to within 7km of the crater See more details about why FCDO advises against travel.”
Updated 2026-08-28T11:29:31Z
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 2026-09-01T09:05:38.010000-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Good
Mugging & robbery risk
Low risk
92
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
Moderate risk
78
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
63 / 100 (Mostly positive)
63
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
1.7M residents
70
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 against visitors is rare; incidents typically involve opportunistic snatch thefts in poorly lit or isolated areas at night
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag-snatching occur in crowded markets, bus terminals, and on angkot minibuses; keep bags zipped and front-facing
▸ 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
Visitors generally report feeling safe walking in Semarang during daylight, with 62.8% feeling secure walking alone after dark per UN data; recent feedback highlights friendly locals but notes discomfort during protest periods and haze events.
Yes — Semarang is moderately safe for visitors who exercise normal precautions, though air quality and occasional protests require awareness.
Semarang has low violent crime but moderate petty theft risks, especially in crowded areas and on public transport. Recent student protests in mid-2026 have caused localized disruptions, and air quality frequently reaches unhealthy levels. Visitors should stay alert in markets and transit hubs, avoid protests, and monitor health advisories.
Recent developments
- Jun 2026Student protests reached Central Java, including Semarang, with demonstrations reported near university campuses and government buildings— Tempo.co English
- Jun 2026Indonesian police dismantled an international pig butchering scam ring, arresting 11 foreign suspects involved in online fraud targeting overseas victims— ANTARA News
- Aug 2025Protest-related fire killed three people in Indonesia after demonstrators torched council buildings; while not in Semarang, reflects broader unrest risks— The Guardian
- Aug 2024Passenger bus crash in Java killed at least 16 people, highlighting road safety risks on intercity routes— PBS
Common scams
- Taxi overcharging or fake meter tampering
- Unofficial tour guides offering 'discounted' temple or factory tours then demanding high fees
Full briefing
Semarang presents a moderate safety profile for travelers, supported by low homicide rates and generally welcoming locals, but tempered by environmental and social factors. The city scores well on violent crime — homicide is extremely rare — but petty theft remains a concern in crowded settings like Pasar Johar market, Simpang Lima square, and on public transport such as angkot minibuses. Recent dossier entries confirm that student protests in June 2026 disrupted parts of Central Java, including Semarang, with gatherings near Universitas Diponegoro and local government offices; while largely peaceful, such events can escalate or disrupt traffic, so visitors should avoid protest zones and follow local guidance. Air quality is a persistent issue, with AQI frequently reaching "very unhealthy" levels (as seen in the live profile), increasing respiratory risk — especially for those with sensitivities — so limiting outdoor activity during peak haze and using masks when advised is prudent.
Health-wise, travelers should heed CDC alerts for Zika, dengue, polio, and measles, using insect repellent and ensuring vaccinations are up to date. Road safety is another consideration: while Semarang itself is navigable, intercity bus travel carries risk, as shown by a fatal Java bus crash in August 2024. Using reputable transport options like ride-hailing apps (Gojek, Grab) or registered taxis reduces both scam and safety risks compared to unmarked vehicles. Scams targeting visitors include taxi meter tampering and unofficial guides who inflate fees after offering seemingly attractive tours of landmarks like Lawang Sewu or the old town; agreeing on prices upfront or using official tour services helps avoid this.
Overall, visitors who stay alert, respect local customs (such as avoiding prolonged eye contact or head-touching, as noted in Wikivoyage), and monitor real-time conditions can enjoy Semarang’s cultural offerings safely. The city’s moderate safety index reflects a balance of low violent crime, functional institutions, and genuine hospitality, offset by environmental hazards and occasional social unrest. By securing valuables, using trusted transport, checking protest and air quality updates, and avoiding isolated areas after dark, travelers can mitigate risks and focus on experiencing Semarang’s Javanese heritage, cuisine, and warmth.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 8 Semarang districts for visitors: 3 safer, 4 needing caution and 1 best avoided. See them plotted on the Semarang safety map.
PedurunganavoidHigher incidence of petty theft and occasional disturbances; avoid walking alone at night.
Kota Lama (Old Town)cautionHistoric area with moderate petty theft risk; avoid isolated alleys after dark.
Gajah MadacautionBusy shopping street; watch for pickpockets and bag snatching, especially during daytime.
Tugu MudacautionMonument area with moderate pickpocket risk; avoid after 22:00 due to reduced foot traffic.
North Semarang (Pekojan)cautionOlder port district with sporadic theft reports; exercise caution after dark.
Simpang LimasaferCentral commercial hub with good lighting and regular police patrols; petty theft possible in crowds.
BanyumaniksaferResidential and educational zone with lower crime rates; well-lit and family-friendly.
GunungpatisaferUniversity area with active student presence and security; generally safe during daylight hours.
07 · 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 against visitors is rare; incidents typically involve opportunistic snatch thefts in poorly lit or isolated areas at night
After dark, be most careful around Pedurungan, Kota Lama (Old Town), Gajah Mada, Tugu Muda. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Semarang safety FAQ (2026)
Is Semarang safe right now (2026)?
Yes — Semarang is moderately safe for visitors who exercise normal precautions, though air quality and occasional protests require awareness. Semarang has low violent crime but moderate petty theft risks, especially in crowded areas and on public transport. Recent student protests in mid-2026 have caused localized disruptions, and air quality frequently reaches unhealthy levels. Visitors should stay alert in markets and transit hubs, avoid protests, and monitor health advisories. (Assessed 2 September 2026.)
Is Semarang safe for women, families and solo travelers?
Safety is not one number, and this Semarang report does not pretend it is: the score is re-weighted for who is travelling. A woman travelling alone, a family with children and a solo backpacker face different street-level risks, so the headline score shifts and the report leads with the findings that matter for that group. Personalize this report in one click to see the 2026 score and safety briefing for your specific travellers.
Which areas of Semarang should tourists avoid?
Field research flags Pedurungan as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in Semarang (2026)?
- Taxi overcharging or fake meter tampering
- Unofficial tour guides offering 'discounted' temple or factory tours then demanding high fees
How does Semarang compare with other places in Indonesia (2026)?
Semarang ranks #8 of 9 Indonesia destinations we've assessed, scoring 66/100. See the Indonesia safety overview for the full list.
How is this semarang safety score calculated (2026)?
The score blends 13+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, FBI crime data for U.S. cities, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry the bulk of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries the rest. Full methodology.
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