Benzodiazepines in Indonesia: Controls, Brands and Import Rules

All benzodiazepines are controlled under Indonesia's Psychotropic Substances Law No. 5 of 1997. Bring a doctor's letter and no more than a 30-day supply.

Quick reference

  • Drug class: Psychotropic substances: all members scheduled under Indonesia's Psychotropic Substances Law No. 5 of 1997
  • Controlled substance: Yes: all eight active ingredients are classified as psychotropic substances under Indonesian law. Diazepam and some members are Schedule IV; alprazolam and triazolam are Schedule II. All require documentation.
  • Prescription required: Yes: prescription required for all members of this class in Indonesia.
  • Available locally: Diazepam: yes (Valium, Stesolid, generic diazepam widely stocked). Alprazolam: limited availability, some pharmacy chains stock generic alprazolam. Clonazepam: available as Rivotril at select hospital pharmacies. Lorazepam: available at hospital pharmacies. Midazolam: available but primarily in clinical/hospital settings. Temazepam, oxazepam, triazolam: very limited availability outside hospital settings. Do not rely on local supply.
  • Storage: Store at room temperature, 15-30°C, away from direct sunlight and humidity. Indonesia's tropical climate requires particular attention to humidity and heat.
  • Max supply to carry: 30-day personal supply maximum for importation. Bring your full supply for longer trips.
  • Key document: Doctor's letter on clinic letterhead listing full name, INN and brand name, dose, frequency, quantity, and prescriber's registration number. A BPOM import permit is required if carrying quantities above the personal-use threshold.
  • Emergency alternative: If your specific benzodiazepine is unavailable, consult a local doctor or psychiatrist. Substitution decisions must be made by a licensed clinician, not self-managed.

Benzodiazepine options in Indonesia

Active ingredientAvailable locally?Local brand(s)Controlled statusPrescription required?Max supply
Alprazolam
Limited
Generic alprazolam (Xanax not widely stocked)
Schedule II psychotropic
Yes
30 days
Diazepam
Yes
Valium, Stesolid, generic diazepam
Schedule IV psychotropic
Yes
30 days
Clonazepam
Limited
Rivotril (hospital pharmacies)
Schedule IV psychotropic
Yes
30 days
Lorazepam
Limited
Ativan (hospital pharmacies only)
Schedule IV psychotropic
Yes
30 days
Temazepam
Very limited
Not reliably stocked
Schedule IV psychotropic
Yes
30 days
Midazolam
Clinical/hospital use
Dormicum (hospital setting)
Schedule IV psychotropic
Yes
30 days
Oxazepam
Very limited
Not reliably stocked
Schedule IV psychotropic
Yes
30 days
Triazolam
Very limited
Halcion (not reliably stocked)
Schedule II psychotropic
Yes
30 days

Taking benzodiazepines to Indonesia: what changes

Indonesia classifies all benzodiazepines, including alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), clonazepam (Rivotril), lorazepam (Ativan), temazepam, midazolam (Dormicum), oxazepam, and triazolam (Halcion), as psychotropic substances under Law No. 5 of 1997[1]. Every member of this class requires a prescription and supporting documentation at customs.

Availability varies sharply across the class. Diazepam is the most accessible, stocked in retail pharmacies across the country. Most other members, including temazepam, oxazepam, and triazolam, are not reliably available outside hospital settings. Bring your full supply.

Medical disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your prescribing doctor before travelling with medication, particularly regarding supply quantities, storage requirements, and import documentation.

Before you travel

Documentation for travelling to Indonesia with benzodiazepines

Indonesia's National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) regulates psychotropic imports. Personal importation of psychotropic medications requires a doctor's letter[2] and must not exceed a 30-day supply. For quantities above the personal-use threshold, a formal BPOM import permit is required before travel.

What your doctor's letter must include

Full name and date of birth. Medication name (INN and brand name). Dose and frequency. Quantity carried. Diagnosis or clinical indication (one word or brief phrase). Doctor's signature, registration number, and clinic letterhead. If you take more than one benzodiazepine, list each separately. Request an English translation or Indonesian translation if your prescriber can provide one.

No additional notarisation is required for a standard doctor's letter at Indonesian customs, but having both an English version and a Bahasa Indonesia translation reduces the risk of delays. If you are carrying Schedule II members such as alprazolam or triazolam, carry your letter prominently in your hand luggage for easy presentation.

Questions to ask your prescriber before you travel

Bring this list to your pre-travel appointment.

  • If my usual benzodiazepine is not available in Indonesia, which other medication in this class could you authorise as a backup, and can you write a second letter naming that option?
  • Should I adjust my dose or timing to account for the time zone difference, and how do you recommend I manage the transition?
  • Can you include both the INN (international nonproprietary name) and the brand name on my letter, and confirm your medical registration number is printed on the letterhead?
  • My trip is longer than 30 days. Can you prescribe a larger supply, or do I need to obtain a BPOM import permit for the extra quantity?
  • What is the best way to contact you from Indonesia if I run out of medication or need a replacement prescription urgently?

How much benzodiazepine to bring

The personal-use import allowance for psychotropics in Indonesia is a 30-day supply for each active ingredient[2]. This applies equally across all eight members of the benzodiazepine class. For trips exceeding 30 days, contact BPOM well in advance about a formal import permit. Bring a 10% buffer above your calculated daily requirement to account for delays or spillage.

Split your supply

Carry your main supply in hand luggage and a backup dose in checked luggage. Keep both portions in original packaging with pharmacy labels intact. Do not decant tablets into unmarked containers: Indonesian customs officers check packaging against your doctor's letter.

Packing and storing benzodiazepines for travel

All benzodiazepines in this class are oral solid-dose forms stored at room temperature, 15-30°C, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Indonesia's tropical climate, with temperatures regularly above 30°C and humidity above 70%, means you should keep tablets in a sealed, moisture-resistant container. Avoid leaving medication in a car, beach bag, or anywhere exposed to direct heat. A small insulated pouch is sufficient. None of these medications require refrigeration.

At the airport and border

Airport security with benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines in tablet or capsule form are not subject to liquid restrictions at airport security. Keep them in hand luggage in original blister packs or pharmacy bottles with printed labels. Security officers at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and other Indonesian airports may ask you to present your medication alongside your doctor's letter if the packaging is not clearly labelled.

At your departure airport, check the rules of your country's own airport security authority for carrying prescription medications in the cabin. Rules on quantity and documentation differ between jurisdictions.

Customs and import rules for benzodiazepines in Indonesia

Declare your benzodiazepines on the Indonesian customs declaration form on arrival. Indonesia Customs requires a written declaration for controlled medicines[3] including psychotropic substances. Carry your doctor's letter and original packaging in an accessible part of your hand luggage. A personal-use quantity of up to 30 days per active ingredient will generally be cleared without a formal import permit.

All benzodiazepines are controlled psychotropics in Indonesia

Every benzodiazepine in this class is scheduled under Indonesia's Psychotropic Substances Law No. 5 of 1997. Alprazolam and triazolam are Schedule II; diazepam, clonazepam, lorazepam, temazepam, midazolam, and oxazepam are Schedule IV. Carrying these medications without a valid doctor's letter and declaration exposes you to seizure of the medication and possible legal consequences. Never carry more than a 30-day supply without a formal BPOM import permit obtained before departure.

While in country

Benzodiazepine availability in Indonesia

Diazepam is the most accessible benzodiazepine in Indonesia, available at major retail pharmacy chains such as Kimia Farma and Guardian[4] under the brand names Valium and Stesolid, as well as generic diazepam. Alprazolam is less consistently stocked. Generic alprazolam appears at some Kimia Farma branches but Xanax branded product is not reliably available. Clonazepam (Rivotril) and lorazepam (Ativan) are dispensed primarily through hospital pharmacies and require a local specialist's prescription.

Temazepam, oxazepam, and triazolam (Halcion) are not reliably stocked in any retail channel. Midazolam (Dormicum) is available but used almost exclusively in clinical and anaesthetic settings; you cannot obtain it at a retail pharmacy. For guidance on Indonesia's broader healthcare system, see Indonesia's ADHD travel guide for context on how controlled substances are handled in-country.

Generic diazepam 5 mg tablets cost approximately Rp 5,000-15,000 per strip of 10 (~$0.30-$0.95 / ~€0.28-€0.87) at Kimia Farma branches. Branded versions and less common active ingredients carry significantly higher prices. A private psychiatrist consultation required to obtain a local prescription runs Rp 200,000-600,000 (~$12-$37 / ~€11-€34) at a private clinic.

Pharmacy phrases in Bahasa Indonesia

These phrases are useful at the pharmacy counter when asking about benzodiazepine options or checking availability.

“id”

Do you have [diazepam / alprazolam / clonazepam]? I have a prescription.

“id”

Is there a generic equivalent for this medication?

“id”

I take this medication regularly. Can you help me find a doctor to get a local prescription?

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Finding a doctor who can prescribe benzodiazepines in Indonesia

Benzodiazepines must be prescribed by a psychiatrist (psikiater) or neurologist (neurologis) in Indonesia; a general practitioner cannot legally prescribe psychotropic substances for ongoing use. English-speaking psychiatrists are available at private hospitals in Jakarta (including RS Pondok Indah and Siloam Hospitals), Bali, and Surabaya.

Telemedicine platforms such as Halodoc and Alodokter operate in Indonesia, though prescribing psychotropic medications remotely involves additional legal constraints. Confirm with the platform before booking. A private psychiatry consultation costs approximately Rp 300,000-800,000 (~$18-$49 / ~€17-€45).

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Storing benzodiazepines while in Indonesia

Indonesia's average temperatures exceed 30°C in most regions, and humidity regularly sits above 70%. Store tablets in a sealed, moisture-resistant container inside an air-conditioned room. Do not leave medication in a hot car, poolside bag, or near a window. Hotel safes are a practical storage option that also guards against theft. No member of this class requires refrigeration.

Emergencies

What to do if something goes wrong with your benzodiazepines in Indonesia

If your medication is lost or stolen, file a police report (laporan polisi) at the nearest police station immediately. A police report is required by Indonesian authorities before any replacement psychotropic prescription can be issued[5]. Contact your prescriber at home and ask them to send a scanned replacement letter by email, which you can present at a private hospital psychiatry department.

If you run out of your specific benzodiazepine and it is not available locally, see a psychiatrist at a private hospital. Do not attempt to substitute one benzodiazepine for another without medical guidance. A licensed doctor must assess whether a local equivalent is appropriate, what dose is safe, and how to manage any transition. Diazepam is the most accessible option a local doctor might consider, but the decision is theirs to make, not a self-managed swap.

Key phrases in Bahasa Indonesia

I take medication for a neurological/psychiatric condition: 'Saya minum obat untuk kondisi psikiatri saya.' / I need to see a psychiatrist: 'Saya perlu bertemu psikiater.' / Please call a doctor: 'Tolong panggil dokter.' / Where is the nearest pharmacy? 'Di mana apotek terdekat?'

Indonesia's national emergency number is 112. For ambulance services, dial 119. Major private hospitals in Jakarta include RS Pondok Indah (021 765 7525) and Siloam Hospitals (1500 181), both of which have English-speaking staff and psychiatry departments.

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Frequently asked questions

Is benzodiazepine legal in Indonesia?

Yes, benzodiazepines are legal to bring into Indonesia, but only on prescription and with a doctor's letter on clinic letterhead that lists your full name, the medication's INN and brand name, dose, frequency, quantity, and your prescriber's registration number. Importation is limited to a 30-day personal supply, and a BPOM import permit is required if you carry quantities above the personal-use threshold.

Can I bring benzodiazepines into Indonesia?

Yes, but all benzodiazepines are scheduled psychotropic substances in Indonesia and require a doctor's letter listing your full name, the medication's INN and brand name, dose, frequency, and quantity. The personal-use import allowance is 30 days per active ingredient. Declare your medication on the customs form on arrival and carry your letter in your hand luggage.

Which benzodiazepines are available in Indonesia?

Diazepam (Valium, Stesolid, generic) is the most widely available at retail pharmacies. Clonazepam (Rivotril) and lorazepam (Ativan) are dispensed through hospital pharmacies only and require a local specialist prescription. Alprazolam is available as a generic at some Kimia Farma branches but Xanax branded tablets are not reliably stocked. Temazepam, oxazepam, and triazolam are not reliably available in any retail or hospital channel. Midazolam (Dormicum) is used in clinical settings only.

What if my specific benzodiazepine brand isn't available in Indonesia?

Go to a private hospital psychiatry department and present your original prescription, doctor's letter, and remaining supply. A psychiatrist will assess whether a locally available equivalent is appropriate and issue a local prescription if so. Do not attempt to self-manage a switch between active ingredients. Benzodiazepines differ in potency and half-life, and the substitution decision must be made by a licensed clinician.

Is Xanax (alprazolam) available in Indonesia?

Xanax branded tablets are not reliably stocked in Indonesian retail pharmacies. Generic alprazolam is available at some Kimia Farma branches, but supply is inconsistent. Alprazolam is a Schedule II psychotropic in Indonesia and requires a local psychiatrist's prescription for dispensing. Bring your full supply from home rather than relying on local availability.

Do I need a doctor's letter to fly with benzodiazepines?

Yes. Indonesia requires a doctor's letter for all benzodiazepines because the entire class is scheduled as psychotropic substances under Law No. 5 of 1997. The letter must name the medication by INN and brand, state the dose, frequency, and quantity, and include your prescriber's registration number on clinic letterhead. Carry it alongside the original packaging at customs.

What if I run out of benzodiazepines in Indonesia?

Go to a private hospital psychiatry department with your original prescription and any remaining medication. If your supply was lost or stolen, file a police report first. Your prescriber at home can email a scanned replacement letter, which the Indonesian psychiatrist can use to assess your case. Do not abruptly stop a benzodiazepine without medical supervision; attend an emergency department if you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

Related practical guide

Benzodiazepines Abroad: Why Customs Can Seize Your Prescription

A valid prescription does not protect your benzodiazepines at every border. Here is what customs officers actually check, and what happens when supply runs out abroad.

Read the practical guide →

Sources

  1. [1] Indonesia — Psychotropic Substances Law No. 5 of 1997
  2. [2] BPOM — National Agency of Drug and Food Control Indonesia: Regulations on Psychotropic Substances
  3. [3] Indonesia Directorate General of Customs and Excise — Prohibited and Restricted Goods
  4. [4] Kimia Farma — Official Pharmacy Chain Indonesia
  5. [5] Indonesian National Police — Reporting Procedures
  6. [6] INCB — Green List: psychotropic substances under international control

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