It is strictly regulated.
Sleeping in a vehicle in Indonesia is not explicitly banned nationwide, but local ordinances, traffic laws, and public order regulations impose stringent restrictions. The National Police Traffic Corps (Korps Lalu Lintas Kepolisian Negara Republik Indonesia) and regional governments enforce prohibitions in urban zones, tourist areas, and near government facilities. Violations may result in fines, vehicle impoundment, or forced relocation under the Law No. 22 of 2009 on Traffic and Road Transport and municipal bylaws. Recent 2026 compliance directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kementerian Dalam Negeri) emphasize “zero tolerance” for unauthorized overnight stays in vehicles to curb illegal lodging and public disturbances.
Key Regulations for Sleeping in Your Car in Indonesia
-
Local Traffic and Public Order Bylaws: Municipalities like Jakarta, Bandung, and Surabaya enforce Peraturan Daerah (Regional Regulations) prohibiting overnight parking or sleeping in vehicles in designated zones, citing Ordinance No. 8/2021 on Public Order in Jakarta. Violations attract fines up to IDR 5 million (≈USD 320) or vehicle confiscation under Perkapolri No. 12/2012.
-
Traffic Law Enforcement: The Korlantas Polri classifies sleeping in a stationary vehicle as “parking without intent to travel,” which may trigger Pasal 106 of Law No. 22/2009—authorizing police to remove vehicles blocking public roads or deemed a nuisance.
-
Tourist and Sensitive Areas: Provincial regulations in Bali (Perda Provinsi Bali No. 16/2018) and Yogyakarta prohibit sleeping in vehicles near beaches, temples, or heritage sites to prevent environmental degradation and unauthorized lodging. Offenders face immediate relocation or deportation risks for foreigners.