INDONESIAN LAW
Indonesian Law on Ayahuasca, Explained
What Indonesia's Narcotics Law actually says about ayahuasca and DMT — in plain terms, with no exception for ceremonial or traditional use.
See the Due-Diligence ChecklistIn short
Ayahuasca is illegal in Indonesia because DMT, its active compound, is classified as a Class I narcotic under Law No. 35 of 2009 — a classification that makes no exception for religious, traditional, or ceremonial use.
- DMT is Class I: the category for substances with no accepted medical use.
- Possession-related offenses can carry a minimum five-year prison term.
- Calling a ceremony 'traditional' does not change its legal status.
- Indonesian Narcotics Law
- 35/2009
- Possible Prison Term, Possession
- 5–20yrs
- DMT's Narcotics Class
- I
- Exceptions for Ceremonial Use
- 0
The Legal Framework
Indonesia's Narcotics Law No. 35 of 2009 categorizes drugs into classes based on their potential for abuse and accepted medical use. Class I narcotics — the category DMT falls into — are considered to have the highest potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.
This classification extends to any substance containing DMT, including ayahuasca. There is no carve-out for religious, traditional, or ceremonial use anywhere in the law, regardless of how a ceremony is marketed or where it takes place.
Indonesian authorities have prosecuted underground ceremony organizers and participants in past cases. Being told a ceremony is "safe" or "blessed" does not change its legal status or reduce the real risk of prosecution.
Questions About This Law
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