Bali Expat Forum - Bali Travel Forum

[Roy]

U.S. Embassy Jakarta
U.S. Consulate General Surabaya
U.S. Consulate Medan
Warden Message - Demonstrations
May 19, 2008

Dear Warden,

The U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia, informs American citizens that rising food prices and an anticipated government announcement about a dramatic increase in fuel costs could trigger demonstrations in Jakarta and other cities. Though the Embassy does not have any specific information on any scheduled demonstrations, the Embassy would like to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

The U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya intend to maintain normal consular services during demonstrations, but may have to close on short notice if security conditions prevent public access to the Embassy or Consulate grounds. American citizens seeking consular services may call the Consular Sections at the numbers below before coming to the Embassy or Consulate to inquire about possible demonstrations.

Americans living and traveling in Indonesia are urged to register and update their contact information with the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya, or U.S. Consular Agency in Bali. Registration facilitates the U.S. Mission’s contact with Americans in emergency situations, and may be done on line and in advance of travel. Information on registering can be found at the U.S. Department of State’s Consular Affairs website at http://travelregistration.state.gov and at the Embassy’s website at http://jakarta.usembassy.gov. All Travel Warnings, Public Announcements and recent warden messages are posted on the Embassy website.

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings, and health-information resources can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The Embassy is located at Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan No. 4-5, Jakarta; the 24-hour telephone number is 62-21-3435-9000. The telephone number of the U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya is 62-31-295-6400; the number for the U.S. Consulate in Medan is 62-61-415-2200; the number for the U.S. Consular Agency in Bali is 62-361-233-605.

[Ipanema]

There has already been demonstrations in Makassar

[Roy]

Speaking of Makassar, Tina, I was thrilled when it was decided to change its name back from that new fangled name, Ujung Pandang. That name always contorted my tongue, and the resulting sound of my pronunciation was always embarrassing.

Makassar has a great “ring” to it, and it surely is appropriate considering the long and rich history of this city and region.

Aside from giving us English speaking folks who ascribe the Boogey Man to the Bugis pirates, IMHO, the old jewelry produced by its craftspeople is the finest in all of Indonesia, if not the best in all of SE Asia.

[Ipanema]

Yes Roy I have to agree with you wholeheartedly with the change of name. Makassar is much more easy to say and easier on the ear.

My finance is Bugis and we will have a traditional Bugis wedding which should be interesting. I have been to Makassar in March this year and we will go again in maybe July or August and then to get married in March next year.

I am learning more and more about the history of the Bugis and I am looking forward to learning much more.

I know a little about the pirates and the boats that came down to the Northern Territory to trade with the Aborigines but I have not read anything on their jewellry but will look into it the next time.

It is really interesting being with his family, for awhile I learnt Bahasa Indonesian and of course my finance's family do not speak it especially his father. Now in hindsight...............

Tina

[Roy]

Hearty congratulations! I hope you post some photos from your wedding here on the forum!

A good friend of ours had a Phinisi boat made by the Bugis. What a wonderful and beautiful boat. I would love to have one made. They craft these boats entirely by hand and only of wood. He has a crew of two Bugis as well. They are superb mariners to say the least.

Cheer, and once again, selamat!

[milan]

So, you'll marry in March, 2009. That's wonderful.

I was born in Makassar, so to have the name back makes me glad. It sounds exotic that even a men's cologne by Rochas is named that but with different spelling: "Macassar"

[Roy]

That's the old spelling Milan, and it was used on most all of the old maps. Another name used was Mancacara, and Sulawesi was then called Celebes. Cheers.

[milan]

I know about Celebes as the old name of Sulawesi but not about the spelling Macassar as the old Makassar. Thanks for the input.

[Git]

The warnings regards AMERICAN's visiting Indonesia has always been a red flag,specially so the past few years,starting with all the kuta bombings.That's nothing new...................

Its best not to announce that you are comming from the USA when visiting Indonesia. I live in California "for now",but have a dutch passport,(born in Indonesia),Thank goodness !!!!!!- I can speak other languages besides english.When I stay with my relatives in bali We speak dutch or bahasa only.

Perhaps Pres. George Bush(and his father) has something to do with the bad taste left behind regards Americans.His horrific corruption in politics reflects badly on the entire country of his citizens,what a shame!