It is strictly regulated.
Crossbows are legal in Indonesia only under stringent conditions governed by the 2023 Firearms and Ammunition Act (UU No. 12/2023) and enforced by the Indonesian National Police (Kepolisian Negara Republik Indonesia). Civilian ownership requires a Surat Izin Kepemilikan Senjata Api (SIKSA), typically reserved for hunting or sport, with crossbows treated as non-firearm weapons. Unlicensed possession risks confiscation under Peraturan Kepala Kepolisian Negara Republik Indonesia No. 8/2021, which classifies crossbows as “controlled tools” requiring permits.
Key Regulations for Crossbows in Indonesia
- Permit Mandate: A Surat Izin Alat Berat (SIAB) from the local police is mandatory for crossbow ownership, with issuance contingent on proof of legitimate use (e.g., licensed hunting clubs or archery ranges).
- Restricted Calibers: Crossbows exceeding 150 lbs draw weight or 1,000 joules of kinetic energy are classified as “high-powered” and require additional approval from the Ministry of Defense and Security (Kementerian Pertahanan dan Keamanan).
- Regional Bans: Provincial regulations (e.g., Perda DKI Jakarta No. 8/2022) may impose local restrictions, including outright bans in urban areas or during hunting off-seasons, necessitating compliance checks with local authorities.