Learning a new language opens up a world of opportunities, but it’s also important to focus on practical aspects, such as understanding emergency and safety instructions. When traveling to Indonesia or interacting with Indonesian speakers, knowing these key phrases could be crucial. Here is a useful guide to help you with emergency and safety instructions in Indonesian.

Tolong
Meaning “help” in Indonesian, tolong is perhaps one of the most critical words you can know. Use it to attract attention in an emergency.
Saya terluka, tolong bantu saya! (I’m injured, please help me!)

Keamanan
This word means “security” or “safety.” You might see this word at airports or public places that have security checkpoints.
Dimana pos keamanan di sini? (Where is the security post here?)

Darurat
The Indonesian word for “emergency,” darurat is used in context where immediate assistance is required.
Ini adalah situasi darurat! (This is an emergency situation!)

Pintu Darurat
This phrase translates to “emergency exit.” Always look for these exits when you are in a building.
Pintu darurat berada di sisi kiri gedung. (The emergency exit is on the left side of the building.)

Api
Meaning “fire,” api is the word used in fire emergencies. Recognizing this word can help you quickly understand the situation.
Ada api di lantai dua! (There is a fire on the second floor!)

Peringatan
This means “warning” in Indonesian. It’s used to alert you about potential danger or to advise caution.
Peringatan: Jalanan licin. (Warning: Slippery road.)

Evakuasi
Meaning “evacuation,” the term evakuasi is crucial during natural disasters or when a building needs to be cleared for safety.
Evakuasi segera area ini! (Evacuate this area immediately!)

Gempa Bumi
It translates to “earthquake.” Indonesia lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire” and experiences frequent seismic activity, so this is an important word to know.
Gempa bumi bisa terjadi sewaktu-waktu di wilayah ini. (An earthquake can happen at any time in this area.)

Polisi
This one is easy to remember as it sounds similar to the English word. Polisi refers to the “police” who you can reach out to during safety or legal emergencies.
Hubungi polisi jika Anda melihat aktivitas mencurigakan. (Contact the police if you see any suspicious activity.)

Ambulans
Another familiar word, ambulans translates directly to “ambulance.” In case of medical emergencies, this is the vehicle that transports patients to the hospital.
Kami butuh ambulans sekarang juga! (We need an ambulance right now!)

Pertolongan Pertama
If someone needs immediate medical attention before the professionals arrive, you’ll want to ask for pertolongan pertama, which is “first aid.”
Siapakah yang bisa memberikan pertolongan pertama? (Who can provide first aid?)

Kegawatdaruratan
This term combines “emergency” (kegawatan) with “urgency” (darurat) and is often associated with medical or critical situations. Understanding this word could be vital in a life-threatening scenario.
Ini adalah kasus kegawatdaruratan, bawa dia ke rumah sakit! (This is an emergency case, take him to the hospital!)

Knowing these essential safety and emergency terms in Indonesian can help you navigate difficult situations and ensure you’re prepared to effectively communicate when it matters most. Whether you’re planning a trip to Indonesia or simply expanding your linguistic skills, remember that such practical vocabulary is not just words—it’s an investment in your safety.