From the smoky markets of Jakarta to the lacquered temples of Yogyakarta and the coral-blue seas of the Lesser Sundas, Indonesia is a mosaic of color, texture and scent. You can smell clove and coconut sugar in the air, see batik motifs draped over scooter seats, and hear gamelan percussion drifting from a village compound — every corner of the archipelago feels like a living souvenir.

Whether you’re hunting for textiles in Solo, coffee in Lampung, or carved masks in Ubud, these Indonesian souvenirs bring a slice of the country home with you. Here’s what to buy in Indonesia to capture its cultural richness.

1. Batik (Hand-dyed Textiles)

Why pick this up: Batik’s wax-resist patterns tell regional stories — Javanese parang, coastal Pekalongan florals, and bold Solo motifs — and make elegant scarves, shirts, or framed art.
What to look for: Hand-drawn (‘batik tulis’) pieces have irregular dots and deeper dye penetration; block-stamped (‘cap’) are cheaper. Check for crisp lines, natural indigo or soga dyes, and a maker’s mark if possible.
Price bracket (2025): Rp 50.000–Rp 7.000.000 (from mass-produced sarongs to high-end batik tulis)
Where to find it: Pasar Beringharjo (Yogyakarta), Pasar Klewer (Surakarta/Solo), Pekalongan markets and boutique shops along Malioboro Street.

2. Wayang Kulit (Shadow Puppet)

Why pick this up: These leather puppets are miniature dramas — intricate, hand-painted characters from the Ramayana and Mahabharata that capture Java’s theatrical tradition.
What to look for: Full leather (buffalo hide) with detailed cutwork and painted faces; smaller decorative pieces are lighter for travel. Ask about the dalang (puppeteer) or workshop to confirm authenticity.
Price bracket (2025): Rp 75.000–Rp 1.200.000 (simple figures to large, museum-quality pieces)
Where to find it: Workshops in Yogyakarta, Surakarta and the souvenir stalls around Kraton and Taman Sari.

3. Kopi Luwak (Civet Coffee — ethically sourced)

Why pick this up: Indonesia’s volcanic soils yield bold coffee; kopi luwak is famous (and controversial) — a unique tasting experience tied to Sumatra, Bali and Lampung.
What to look for: Buy only from farms that can verify humane, free-range practices and fair harvesting. Look for small-batch roasts and a roast date.
Price bracket (2025): Rp 150.000–Rp 1.500.000 per 100g (authenticity and ethical sourcing raise prices)
Where to find it: Specialty coffee shops in Bali (Ubud), Lampung producers, gourmet stores in Jakarta.

4. Silver Jewelry from Celuk, Bali

Why pick this up: Celuk village near Ubud is famed for sterling silver—intricate filigree, floral motifs and contemporary Balinese designs make wearable art.
What to look for: Stamped .925 silver, hallmark from the maker, and quality soldering; look for traditional motifs like the naga or lotus if you want an island style.
Price bracket (2025): Rp 200.000–Rp 4.000.000 (earrings and pendants to statement pieces)
Where to find it: Celuk village workshops, Ubud Art Market, boutique jewelers in Seminyak and Denpasar.

5. Ikat and Tenun (Handwoven Cloths from Flores, Sumba and Sulawesi)

Why pick this up: Ikat and tenun are labor-intensive weavings with symbolic patterns used for ceremonies — they’re beautiful as throws, wall hangings or fashion.
What to look for: Even tension, natural dyes, and story-rich motifs (ancestral figures, boats). Ask whether it’s hand-spun and where it was woven.
Price bracket (2025): Rp 300.000–Rp 8.000.000 (small scarves to ceremonial textiles)
Where to find it: Local weaving villages in Flores and Sumba, markets in Kupang, and museum shops in major cities.

6. Rattan and Jepara Woodcraft

Why pick this up: Indonesia is home to exceptional rattan and teak woodworking — from delicate baskets to sculptural furniture — blending utility with island style.
What to look for: Tight weave, solid joinery on wood pieces, kiln-dried teak for durability. Small baskets and lamps are traveler-friendly.
Price bracket (2025): Rp 30.000–Rp 20.000.000 (small accessories to bespoke furniture)
Where to find it: Jepara furniture workshops (Central Java), Ubud markets, craft stores in Jakarta and Bandung.

7. Balinese Wood Masks and Carvings

Why pick this up: Carved masks and panels capture Balinese mythology and dance — a lively souvenir from temple processions and community rituals.
What to look for: Hardwood carvings (suar, teak), crisp facial expressions, and painted or natural finishes. Ask about the carver’s village like Mas in Ubud.
Price bracket (2025): Rp 100.000–Rp 2.000.000 (small masks to large decorative pieces)
Where to find it: Ubud’s Mas village, Sukawati Art Market, craft shops across Bali.

8. Kasongan Pottery (Yogyakarta)

Why pick this up: Kasongan ceramics are colorful, whimsical and baked in traditional kilns — perfect for mugs, planters and decorative tiles with a Javanese twist.
What to look for: Smooth glazing, even firing and traditional motifs; smaller, glazed pieces travel better than large ceramics.
Price bracket (2025): Rp 25.000–Rp 500.000
Where to find it: Kasongan pottery village (near Yogyakarta), local craft stalls and some contemporary design shops in Jakarta.

9. Sambal, Spice Mixes and Palm Sugar

Why pick this up: Take home the backbone of Indonesian flavor — home blends of sambal, soot-dry spices, soto powders and gula aren (palm sugar) that conjure the archipelago’s kitchens.
What to look for: Sealed jars from reputable producers, labels with ingredients and storage instructions; try Padang rendang mixes, Bali coffee rubs, or Java turmeric blends.
Price bracket (2025): Rp 15.000–Rp 120.000 per jar/package
Where to find it: Pasar Badung (Bali), Pasar Baru (Jakarta), specialty food shops and airport gourmet stores.

10. Songket Palembang (Gold- or Silver-threaded Weave)

Why pick this up: Songket from Palembang is ceremonial luxury — shimmering threads woven into silk or cotton, ideal as heirloom textiles or special-occasion fashion.
What to look for: Real metallic threads (or high-quality synthetic), even weave, and provenance from Palembang to ensure it’s genuine songket.
Price bracket (2025): Rp 500.000–Rp 15.000.000 (scarf to full ceremonial cloth)
Where to find it: Workshops and boutiques in Palembang, museum shops and high-end textile dealers in Jakarta.

Tip: Haggle kindly at markets, always ask about materials and provenance, and prioritize small workshops or cooperatives to support artisans — happy hunting for Indonesian souvenirs 🌴

Let me know in the comments if you have any other top ‘what to buy’ ideas!

About the Author 

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!