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Cannabis Laws in Indonesia: Strict Prohibitions & Official Links

Indonesia strictly prohibits cannabis under Law No. 35 of 2009 on Narcotics. Read a plain-language overview with official government links and traveler warnings.

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Indonesia: Cannabis Laws (Strict Prohibitions)

Last updated: December 11, 2025

Legal notice: Informational only--not legal advice. Penalties under Indonesian narcotics law are severe and can include very long imprisonment and, in trafficking cases, the death penalty. Verify on official government portals below. See Legal Disclaimer & No-Warranty.

Quick Summary

Indonesia enforces one of the world's strictest anti-drug policies. Cannabis (locally known as "ganja") is classified as a Class I narcotic alongside heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine under Law No. 35 of 2009 on Narcotics (UU 35/2009). All cannabis-related activities--possession, consumption, cultivation, trafficking, import, and export--are criminal offenses carrying severe penalties.

The law makes no distinction for personal use or small amounts. Even medical use is not permitted under current regulations. Indonesia does not recognize the concept of "decriminalization" that exists in many Western legal systems.

Legal Framework

Law No. 35 of 2009 on Narcotics (UU 35/2009)

This is Indonesia's primary narcotics control statute. Enacted in 2009, it replaced the previous 1976 law and brought Indonesia's drug policy in line with international conventions. The law classifies controlled substances into three groups:

  • Group I: Substances with no recognized medical use, including cannabis, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine
  • Group II: Medical narcotics with addiction potential, such as morphine and codeine
  • Group III: Medical narcotics with lower addiction risk

Cannabis products are banned entirely, even for medical purposes, and are listed alongside 65 other drugs in Group I.

Enforcement Agencies

Two primary agencies enforce Indonesia's narcotics laws:

Badan Narkotika Nasional (BNN) - National Narcotics Agency

  • Indonesia's dedicated anti-narcotics enforcement body
  • Works closely with police to target drug users and traffickers
  • Maintains treatment and rehabilitation facilities
  • Conducts public education campaigns

Kementerian Kesehatan (Ministry of Health)

  • Regulates pharmaceutical controls
  • Oversees limited medical/research exceptions
  • Manages drug rehabilitation programs

Penalties by Offense Type

Indonesian law sets different penalty ranges based on the type and scale of cannabis activity:

Personal Use and Consumption (Article 127)

Under Article 127, consumption or possession for personal use carries:

  • Maximum 4 years imprisonment, or
  • Mandatory rehabilitation (courts may order treatment instead of jail)
  • No minimum sentence, but courts typically impose jail time

The 2009 law introduced rehabilitation as an alternative to imprisonment for users, but enforcement varies. Many users still face criminal prosecution rather than treatment.

Possession for Non-Personal Use

When possession suggests intent to distribute (even without proof of sale):

  • 4 to 12 years imprisonment
  • Fines between Rp 800 million to Rp 8 billion (approximately USD $50,000 to $500,000)

Cultivation and Production

Growing cannabis plants, regardless of quantity or intent:

  • 5 to 15 years imprisonment
  • Substantial fines (amounts determined by court)

Trafficking and Distribution

Indonesia applies some of the world's harshest drug trafficking penalties:

For quantities over 1 kg (plant-based cannabis) or 5 grams (non-plant-based THC products):

  • 20 years to life imprisonment
  • Death penalty (capital punishment remains an option for judges)

The law creates a legal presumption of trafficking based on quantity thresholds. Possessing amounts above these limits automatically triggers trafficking charges unless the defendant can prove otherwise.

Import/Export Violations

Bringing cannabis into or out of Indonesia:

  • 3 to 5 years minimum imprisonment
  • Up to 20 years for larger quantities
  • Death penalty possible for commercial-scale import/export

Even small amounts found during customs screening can result in multi-year prison sentences.

Zero-Tolerance Enforcement

Indonesia's drug laws do not recognize concepts common in Western legal systems:

  • No "personal use" exception: Small amounts receive the same criminal treatment as larger quantities
  • No decriminalization: Unlike Portugal, Netherlands, or parts of the US, Indonesia criminalizes all cannabis activity
  • No medical marijuana program: The 2024 Constitutional Court ruling reaffirmed that medical cannabis remains prohibited

Airport and Border Enforcement

Indonesian airports maintain rigorous screening:

  • Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (Jakarta)
  • Ngurah Rai International Airport (Bali/Denpasar)
  • Juanda International Airport (Surabaya)

Customs officers use drug-detection equipment and canine units. Both arriving and departing passengers face screening. Indonesian authorities do not recognize foreign medical marijuana prescriptions or permits.

Recent Legal Developments

2024 Constitutional Court Decision

In 2024, Indonesia's Constitutional Court dismissed a lawsuit seeking to legalize medical cannabis. The court upheld the strict prohibition, maintaining that:

  • Group I narcotics have no accepted medical value under Indonesian law
  • Research exceptions remain tightly controlled
  • No plans exist to create a medical marijuana program

2023 Criminal Code (KUHP)

Indonesia enacted a new Criminal Code in 2023, but drug provisions remain governed by the 2009 Narcotics Law. Legal experts noted this was a "missed opportunity" to clarify drug policy and reduce legal uncertainty.

Regional Comparison

Indonesia's neighbors have varied approaches to cannabis:

  • Thailand: Decriminalized cannabis in 2022, allowing medical and some recreational use
  • Singapore: Maintains death penalty for trafficking, similar to Indonesia
  • Malaysia: Strict prohibitions with death penalty for trafficking above 200 grams
  • Australia: Various state-by-state medical programs and some decriminalization

Important: The fact that Thailand or other countries have liberalized their laws provides no protection in Indonesia. Indonesian law applies to all conduct within Indonesian territory, regardless of what is legal elsewhere.

Practical Guidance for Travelers

Before You Travel

  • Do not bring any cannabis products, CBD oils, or THC-containing items to Indonesia
  • Do not assume products legal in your home country are acceptable
  • Do not rely on medical marijuana prescriptions from other countries
  • Do not attempt to mail or ship cannabis products to Indonesia

While in Indonesia

  • Avoid all cannabis use, even in private settings
  • Be aware that police conduct random drug tests
  • Understand that "medical marijuana" is not recognized
  • Do not accept substances from strangers
  • Bali's tourist areas are not "safe zones"--Indonesian law applies equally everywhere

If Questioned by Authorities

  • Remain calm and respectful
  • Request consular access from your embassy
  • Do not sign documents you don't understand
  • Seek legal representation immediately
  • Do not attempt to negotiate or pay bribes (this is also illegal)

Rehabilitation vs. Imprisonment

While the 2009 law theoretically allows rehabilitation instead of imprisonment for users, implementation varies:

Factors that may lead to rehab instead of prison:

  • First offense
  • Small quantity for personal use
  • Cooperation with authorities
  • Willingness to enter treatment

Factors that typically result in prosecution:

  • Repeat offenses
  • Quantities suggesting distribution
  • Involvement with organized trafficking
  • Presence of other criminal activity

Even when rehab is ordered, it often occurs in secure government facilities with significant restrictions on freedom.

Research and Medical Exceptions

The 2009 law theoretically permits limited research use of Group I narcotics, but such authorizations are:

  • Extremely rare
  • Granted only to public sector researchers
  • Subject to extensive Ministry of Health oversight
  • Not available to private citizens or companies
  • Restricted to controlled laboratory settings

As of 2025, no commercial medical cannabis research programs exist in Indonesia.

Keep Learning

Official Government Sources (Verify Here)

Always verify current law on these official Indonesian government portals:

Additional Resources

Scientific Sources & References

All information in this article is backed by credible scientific sources and research studies.

Peraturan.go.id - Law No. 35 of 2009 on Narcotics
peraturan.go.id
BPK Regulation Portal - UU 35/2009
peraturan.bpk.go.id
BNN Digital Library - UU 35/2009 (PDF)
perpustakaan.bnn.go.id