Metal Detecting in Indonesia

Indonesia’s Cultural Heritage Law makes an important distinction for anyone hoping to find historical objects. Article 26 regulates searches for cultural heritage, or suspected cultural heritage, involving excavation, diving or recovery on land or in water. Such searches must take place as research and require permission from the competent national or regional government. A landowner’s agreement does not replace that permission. I could not verify a blanket national rule authorising tourists to detect for modern losses on every beach. Contact the relevant heritage authority and local administration with your proposed location before deciding where you can search.