Exercise Increased Caution
“Exercise increased cautionin Indonesia due to risk of natural disasters, unrest, and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk.”
Updated Tue, 07 Jul 2026
Full advisory →Personalize report nowTailor this report to you.Next: age, gender, group size preference…Next: the latest news and insightsNext: one click, 5 seconds, no costStart now8 districts
Is Semarang safe? 🇮🇩
Indonesia · Safety report last updated
As of October 2026, Semarang scores 73/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes. Semarang is moderately safe for visitors who exercise normal precautions. 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 7 October 2026
73
/ 100
What drives this score
Crime71/100GoodCrime index 46.2 / 100
Sentiment80/100GoodMostly positive
Advisories75Good
Stability61Fair
Health66Fair
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 2026-10-07T10:44:39Z
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
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
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Fair
04 · Institutions
Stability
Fair
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Stable
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
80/100
Reported feel66Mostly positive
Robbery risk92Low risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
Recent traveler reports indicate most visitors feel safe during the day, with 75% of residents reporting no encounters with violence, though nighttime caution is advised in unfamiliar areas.
Yes. Semarang is moderately safe for visitors who exercise normal precautions.
Semarang has a low homicide rate and infrequent violent crime against tourists, but pickpocketing and scams occur in crowded areas. Air quality can be unhealthy for sensitive groups, and occasional protests may disrupt movement.
Recent developments
- Jun 2026Student protests reached Central Java, including Semarang, as part of a nationwide wave— Tempo.co English
- Jun 2026Indonesian Police bust a pig butchering ring involving 11 foreign suspects— ANTARA News
- Sep 2025Widespread protests affected mobility and immigration processing in Indonesia— Fragomen
Common scams
- Taxi overcharging or fake Bluebird taxis
- Money exchange frauds
- Pickpocketing distraction tactics
Full briefing
Semarang’s air quality often reaches unhealthy levels for sensitive groups, so those with respiratory conditions should limit outdoor exertion during peak heat. While violent crime against tourists remains rare, pickpocketing is a noted concern in busy spots like Simpang Lima market and on public transportation during rush hour. Travelers should keep bags zipped and front-facing, avoid wearing visible jewelry, and use ride-hailing apps rather than unmarked taxis to reduce scam risk. Money exchange is safest at official banks or licensed bureaus; street offers should be avoided. Recent student protests in June 2026 caused localized disruptions but did not target tourists; staying alert to demonstration routes and following local advice helps maintain safety. Nighttime travel alone in poorly lit or unfamiliar neighborhoods is discouraged, aligning with both local custom and general prudence. Health precautions include using insect repellent due to dengue and Zika risks, and carrying any personal medications, as pharmacy quality varies. Overall, Semarang welcomes visitors who stay aware of their surroundings and follow basic urban safety practices.
Was this Semarang, Indonesia report helpful?
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 8 Semarang districts for visitors: 4 safer, 3 needing caution and 1 best avoided. See them plotted on the Semarang safety map.
PedurunganavoidEastern outskirts; higher incidence of residential break-ins and limited night patrols
Simpang LimacautionCentral square and transport hub; pickpocketing reported in crowds, especially peak hours
Gajah MadacautionMajor arterial road; bag-snatching risk on public transport after dark
Tugu MudacautionHistoric monument area; moderate petty theft risk in surrounding markets at night
Kota Lama (Old Town)saferTourist-friendly heritage area with regular patrols; low violent crime
PandaransaferResidential and commercial zone near universities; generally secure with active neighborhood watches
BanyumaniksaferSouthern residential district; low crime incidence and good lighting in main areas
GunungpatisaferWestern university district; student presence deters crime; well-lit main roads
07 · After Dark
Is Semarang safe at night?
Armed robbery risk to visitors is low; incidents are rare and typically not targeted at tourists
After dark, be most careful around Pedurungan, Simpang Lima, 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. Semarang has a low homicide rate and infrequent violent crime against tourists, but pickpocketing and scams occur in crowded areas. Air quality can be unhealthy for sensitive groups, and occasional protests may disrupt movement. (Assessed 7 October 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 Bluebird taxis
- Money exchange frauds
- Pickpocketing distraction tactics
How does Semarang compare with other places in Indonesia (2026)?
Semarang ranks #4 of 9 Indonesia destinations we've assessed, scoring 73/100. 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.
More Indonesia reports
6 reports
Nearby destinations
4 reports
Similar safety profile
4 reports
Keep exploring
Raw data: semarang.json (CC BY 4.0).