Indonesia travel warning

The Australian Dept of Foreign Affairs and Trade has issued the following warning to Australians in Indonesia are advised to monitor carefully developments that might affect their security and to avoid large public gatherings and areas where demonstrations might occur. Should public disturbances eventuate, Australians are advised to remain indoors. Australian citizens should defer all travel to West Timor until further notice. Australians should defer all holiday and normal business travel to Aceh until further notice and Australians travelling to Irian Jaya and East Java should exercise caution and seek current information from the Embassy prior to travel.

Tourist services are operating normally on Bali and Lombok. Travellers to other regions in Indonesia, as well as resident Australians, are advised to keep themselves well informed of developments that might affect their safety and to maintain a high level of personal security awareness

The political situation remains unsettled and political tension remains high in Jakarta. The potential for further demonstrations in Jakarta and other centres, particularly the province of East Java, cannot be discounted. Australians are advised to monitor carefully developments that might affect their security and to avoid large public gatherings and areas where demonstrations might occur. Should public disturbances eventuate, Australians are advised to remain indoors. Australians in East Java should remain particularly alert to the possibility of disturbances as the situation unfolds.

A number of explosive devices have been detonated in Jakarta, most recently on 22 July, as well as elsewhere. Australians are advised to take seriously any bomb threats that may be made against them or premises they occupy.

Following attacks against United Nations personnel in Atambua (West Timor) in September 2000, the United Nations decided to temporarily relocate its personnel from West Timor. Australian citizens are advised to defer all travel to West Timor and those residing in West Timor are advised to relocate outside West Timor.

The situation in Aceh is unsettled and the number of violent incidents continues at a high level. Australians should defer all holiday and normal business travel to Aceh.

The situation in Irian Jaya remains uneasy and the potential for civil unrest remains. Australians intending to travel to Irian Jaya should exercise caution and seek current information from the Embassy prior to travel.

The situation in the provinces of Maluku and North Maluku (in particular Ambon and northern Halmahera Island) remains unstable. Australians should avoid travelling to Maluku and North Maluku provinces.

For more details from the The Australian Dept of Foreign Affairs and Trade website click here