Leaving Home for the Holidays? Smart Security Tips for Your House in Indonesia
For many families in Indonesia, the long school holidays and festive periods such as Lebaran often mean travel — whether it’s a quick escape to Bali, a visit to family abroad, or a long-awaited summer break.
But while you’re packing suitcases and planning itineraries, it’s worth pausing for a moment to think about something less exciting but equally important: the security of your home while you are away.
Periods when many families travel — particularly Lebaran and mid-year school holidays — can also present opportunities for opportunistic theft. The good news is that with a few thoughtful precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk and leave home with genuine peace of mind.
Below are practical, Indonesia-specific steps that experienced residents and security professionals consistently recommend:
1. Build Trust with Domestic Staff and Neighbors
In Indonesia, relationships are one of the strongest forms of security.
Maintaining a respectful and positive relationship with your domestic staff — whether you employ a housekeeper, driver, gardener or security guard — can greatly reduce the likelihood of problems.
Over many years, security professionals have observed a consistent pattern: homes where staff feel respected and valued are far less likely to experience internal theft.
Equally important are your neighbors. In many Indonesian neighborhoods, the community spirit is strong and neighbors naturally look out for each other.
If you are travelling:
Let trusted neighbors know you will be away
Ask them to keep an eye on the house
Share a contact number in case something unusual happens
Often, neighbors will be the first to notice if something seems out of place.
2. Give Clear Instructions About Visitors
Domestic staff are typically polite and eager to avoid offending visitors. This can sometimes lead them to allow people into the house when they shouldn’t.
Before leaving:
Clearly explain that no visitors are to be admitted unless you have specifically approved them
This applies even if the visitor is a foreigner or claims to know you
Delivery personnel should leave items outside or return later
Unfortunately, there have been cases where individuals posing as acquaintances or service providers have taken advantage of staff’s politeness.
Clear rules help your staff feel confident about saying “no.”
3. Train Staff to Handle Phone Calls Carefully
One of the most common ways organized thieves identify opportunities is simply by calling homes and asking questions.
A caller might ask:
“Is Mr. or Mrs. at home?”
“When will they be back?”
“Are they travelling?”
Staff should never reveal information about your travel plans or absence.
A simple response is best:
“I’m sorry, they are not available right now. Please leave your name and number so they can return your call.”
That’s all the information that should be shared.
4. Keep the House Looking Lived In
An empty house is easy to spot.
Simple routines can make a big difference in discouraging opportunistic theft.
Ask your staff to continue normal activities such as:
Turning lights on in the evening
Opening curtains during the day
Maintaining the garden or lawn
Regular cleaning around the house
These small signs make it appear that the household is still active.
If you use timers or smart lighting systems, they can also help create the appearance that someone is home.
5. Arrange Occasional Visits
Another useful strategy is to have trusted friends or colleagues occasionally check the house.
They can:
Visit briefly during the day
Call the house phone
Drop by unexpectedly
This serves two purposes:
It confirms that your instructions to staff are being followed.
It reduces the temptation for staff to neglect responsibilities or take time away themselves.
You might also consider calling home occasionally just to check in.
6. Keep Proper Records of Domestic Staff
Responsible household management in Indonesia also means maintaining basic documentation of household staff.
You should keep:
A photocopy of each staff member’s KTP (Indonesian ID card)
Their full address
Contact details of family members or next of kin
References from previous employers
If possible, visiting your staff member’s home at least once during the hiring process is a good practice to confirm their residence.
For safety:
Store these documents in a secure location, such as a home safe or at your office.
These measures are standard practice and also help discourage dishonest behavior.
A Final Thought Before You Travel
Indonesia is a wonderfully welcoming place to live, and most households enjoy long, trusting relationships with their staff and neighbors.
Security concerns should not create anxiety — but a little preparation goes a long way.
By setting clear expectations, maintaining good relationships and taking a few practical precautions, you can leave for your holiday confident that everything at home is well taken care of.
So pack your bags, enjoy the break, and return refreshed — knowing your home has been thoughtfully protected while you were away.
