Pretty strong wording here, certainly more strong than the last US travel advisory. Question though. Do the Australians work on another calendar that is neither solar or lunar? I only ask as this advisory is current, but it refers to Ramadan, which unless I am mistaken...ended almost two weeks ago? I mean, after all, they do write, "this advice has been reviewed and reissued."
From the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade, Indonesia.
This Advice is current for Friday, 12 December 2003, EDT
The Advice was issued on Friday, 12 December 2003, 17:42:54, EDT
This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information on safety and security. The overall level of advice has not changed.
We continue to advise Australians to defer non-essential travel to Indonesia, including Bali. The 5 August attack at the JW Marriott Hotel in central Jakarta is a reminder that terrorist groups are active in Indonesia and that attacks could occur at any time. We continue to receive reports that further attacks are being planned against a variety of targets, including embassies, international schools, international hotels, churches, shopping centres, transport hubs or identifiably western interests, including businesses. Security at the Australian Embassy in Jakarta remains at a high level as a precautionary measure. Australians in Indonesia who are concerned for their security should consider departing.
Australians who remain in Indonesia should continue to exercise extreme caution throughout the country, especially in commercial and public places frequented by foreigners including - but not limited to - clubs, restaurants (including international fast food outlets), bars, places of worship, hotels, schools, shops, shopping centres, housing compounds, outdoor recreation events and tourist areas.
This caution should be exercised in particular in Jakarta, including the central business and embassy districts, in other metropolitan and tourist centres in Java and Sumatra, and around premises and symbols associated with the Indonesian Government.
The recommendation that Australians defer non-essential travel applies to Indonesia as a whole. We advise Australians to avoid all travel to Aceh, and those in Aceh are advised to depart. We further advise Australians to read carefully the sections below on travel to west Timor, Maluku and North Maluku, North, South and Central Sulawesi, and Papua. There remains a potential risk to foreigners of kidnapping in areas close to the Philippines, such as the outlying islands of North Sulawesi, and the border regions of Kalimantan.
We also caution about 'sweeping' operations (raids) by militant Islamic groups against bars, nightclubs and other public places which might seek to identify Australians. Australians should take particular care to avoid public demonstrations.
This advice should be read in conjunction with our General Advice for Australian Travellers at http://www.dfat.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/General , our Travel Bulletin on Aceh at http://www.dfat.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Trav ... esia:_Aceh , our Travel Bulletin on international schools at http://www.dfat.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Trav ... al_Schools and our Travel Bulletin on terrorist threats over the festive period at http://www.dfat.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Trav ... ive_Period .
Safety and Security
We continue to advise Australians to defer non-essential travel to Indonesia, including Bali. The 5 August attack at the JW Marriott Hotel in central Jakarta is a reminder that terrorist groups are active in Indonesia and that attacks could occur at any time. We continue to receive reports suggesting that terrorist elements in Indonesia are planning attacks, and such attacks could occur at any time and could be directed at a variety of targets, including embassies, international schools, international hotels, churches, shopping centres, transport hubs or identifiably western interests, including businesses. Security at the Australian Embassy in Jakarta remains at a high level as a precautionary measure.
In addition to the Marriott Hotel attack, other explosions have occurred in Jakarta and elsewhere in Indonesia, including Bali on 12 October 2002. Given the risk that further explosions may be attempted, Australians in Indonesia should exercise extreme caution, especially in all commercial and public places frequented by foreigners such as - but not limited to - clubs, restaurants (such as international fast food outlets), bars, places of worship, hotels, schools, shops, shopping centres and identifiably western businesses, housing compounds, outdoor recreation events and tourist areas.
Particular caution should be exercised in Jakarta, including the central business and embassy districts, in other major metropolitan and tourist centres in Java and Sumatra, and around premises and symbols associated with Indonesian Government authorities.
Australians in Indonesia who are concerned for their security should consider departing. Australians who remain in Indonesia are urged to monitor the Australian Embassy's website for updated travel bulletins and register their contact details with the Embassy in Jakarta (see below for contact details). This will help us to contact you in the event of an emergency.
Australians should note that the recent arrests and current trials of extremists by the Indonesian authorities could prompt a strong reaction from their supporters, including possible demonstrations or acts of terrorism.
Australians should take particular care to avoid public demonstrations which occur from time to time.
Australians are also cautioned about 'sweeping' operations (raids) by militant Islamic groups against bars, nightclubs and other public places in Indonesia particularly during religious holidays, including Ramadan which began on 27 October and usually lasts for 30 days. These groups may also seek to identify Australians specifically in their 'sweeping' activities.
There have been a number of incidents where Australians in and around Jakarta have been robbed after having their car tyre deliberately punctured. If travelling with a driver, passengers should remain in the vehicle, with all doors locked, while the tyre is being changed. Australians should be aware that threats and assaults have been committed in taxis. Australians should arrange their transport using only reputable taxi companies that maintain counters inside the airport, and can be booked by phone or from stands at major hotels.
Further information on developments within Indonesia may be obtained from the Australian Embassy in Jakarta.
The recommendation that Australians defer non-essential travel reflects the general threat of terrorism throughout Indonesia. We further advise Australians to read the sections below carefully for additional regional information where additional safety and security issues apply.
Aceh: Australians are advised to avoid all travel to Aceh, and those in Aceh are advised to depart. A state of military emergency took effect in the province on 19 May 2003. There is ongoing fighting between Indonesian government forces and separatists. Indonesian authorities have declared the waters 12 nautical miles around Aceh closed to all foreign shipping. Those Australians who choose to remain in Aceh despite this advice should seek regular information updates from their employer about the security situation in their area.
Bali and Lombok: There have been a number of recent cases in Bali where tourists have fallen victim to organised gambling gangs. These gangs have extorted money from tourists to secure their safe release. Tourists travelling to Mt Rinjani, in Lombok, have been the target of criminal activity. Australians should obtain advice from the local authorities and only use a registered guide.
Kalimantan: Australians should be aware of communal tensions in mixed Dayak / Madurese areas which can sometimes turn violent. Australians near the border regions with the Philippines should also note the risk of kidnapping from terrorist groups such as the Abu Sayyaf Group based in south western Philippines.
Maluku and North Maluku: The states of civil emergency in North Maluku and Maluku have been lifted although the situation remains unsettled. Australians travelling to these provinces should exercise vigilance and carefully monitor local developments.
Papua: Australians who travel to Papua should exercise particular care and monitor local developments that might affect their safety, especially in view of the heightened security situation, following incidents in the Freeport Mine area of Papua in 2002. Prior to travel, Australians should seek current information from the Australian Embassy. Australians resident in Papua may also wish to seek regular information updates from their employer about the security situation in their area. With the exception of tourists, Australians travelling to Papua require a Surat Keterangan Jalan from the police. This can be obtained from the National Police Headquarters in Jakarta and should be sought well in advance of travel.
Sulawesi: The security situation in Central Sulawesi remains unsettled and sporadic sectarian clashes continue. There have been attacks on inter-provincial and inter-city buses in the area of Poso, including those carrying tourists. Sectarian and ethnic strife occurs sporadically in South Sulawesi. Australians are reminded of the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group's practice of kidnapping foreigners in south western Philippines, near Indonesia. This practice poses a potential risk to foreigners in areas close to the Philippines, such as the outlying islands of North Sulawesi.
West Timor: Following attacks on United Nations personnel in 2000, a high level of security alert remains for west Timor, particularly areas outside Kupang. Prior to travel, Australians should seek current information from the Australian Embassy.
Local Law and Customs
Australians are reminded that when overseas, they are subject to local laws. A violation of local laws may result in a jail sentence, served in a local prison.
Entry and Exit Requirements
Australian tourists continue to enjoy visa-free entry to Indonesia. Australians currently receive a free 60-day Short Stay Permit on arrival. The Indonesian Government is proposing changes to its visa entry requirements, but it is unclear which countries will be effected by the changes or when the new system will be introduced. For up-to-date visa information, Australians should contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia, well in advance of travel. Indonesia requires at least 6 months validity remaining on passports for visitors entering the country.
Australians in Indonesia are required to register with the local Rukun Tertangga (RT) Office, the local police and if staying more than 90 days, the local immigration office. Australians are also required to carry proper identification [Australian Passport or Kartu Ijin Tinggal Sementara (KITAS) or Residents Stay Permit] and ensure their visa remains current at all times.
Health Issues
Australians in Indonesia should be aware that the smoke haze across much of the north-west part of the archipelago, usually from July to October, could impact on their health and travel plans. Kalimantan and Sumatra are generally the worst affected areas.
Australians arriving at any port in Indonesia should be aware of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) related arrival procedures which includes mandatory referral to a doctor or SARS-designated hospital of any incoming passenger displaying symptoms of respiratory infection. The Indonesian Government has also issued Decree 424 of 3 April 2003, which gives effect to Law 4/1984 on epidemics and which gives the Government authority to quarantine people suspected of having SARS and obliges hospitals and people to report any suspected SARS patient to the nearest health office or village head, else risk a large fine or imprisonment. A travel bulletin on this issue can be found at http://www.dfat.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Trav ... y_Syndrome .
For information on prevalent diseases and inoculations, travellers should consult their doctor or a travel clinic. Contact details for travel clinics can be found in our 'Travelling Well' brochure available on the department's website.
Travel and Health Insurance
Travel and medical insurance is strongly recommended for all overseas travel. Travellers should check with their insurer to make sure that their policy meets their needs. In particular, travellers should be aware that some insurance companies will not pay claims which arise when travellers have disregarded the Government's travel advice.
Consular Assistance and Registration
Australians should register and may obtain consular assistance from:
Australian Embassy
Jalan H R Rasuna Said Kav C 15-16
Jakarta Selatan 12940 Indonesia
Telephone (62 21) 25505555
Facsimile (62 21) 5261690
Website http://www.austembjak.or.id/news
Australian Consulate General
Jalan Prof Moh Yamin 4
Renon
Denpasar Bali Indonesia
Telephone (62 361) 235092
Facsimile (62 361) 231990
Limited consular assistance, which does not include the issue of Australian passports, may be obtained from:
Australian Consulate
Jalan R A Kartini 32
Medan 20152
North Sumatra Indonesia
Telephone (62 61) 4157810
Facsimile (62 61) 4156820
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade also offers an on-line registration service, accessible via the internet, at http://www.orao.dfat.gov.au . Australians planning travel and those overseas are encouraged to monitor our travel advice updates, including through use of our free subscription service, at smartraveller.gov.au.
From the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade, Indonesia.
This Advice is current for Friday, 12 December 2003, EDT
The Advice was issued on Friday, 12 December 2003, 17:42:54, EDT
This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information on safety and security. The overall level of advice has not changed.
We continue to advise Australians to defer non-essential travel to Indonesia, including Bali. The 5 August attack at the JW Marriott Hotel in central Jakarta is a reminder that terrorist groups are active in Indonesia and that attacks could occur at any time. We continue to receive reports that further attacks are being planned against a variety of targets, including embassies, international schools, international hotels, churches, shopping centres, transport hubs or identifiably western interests, including businesses. Security at the Australian Embassy in Jakarta remains at a high level as a precautionary measure. Australians in Indonesia who are concerned for their security should consider departing.
Australians who remain in Indonesia should continue to exercise extreme caution throughout the country, especially in commercial and public places frequented by foreigners including - but not limited to - clubs, restaurants (including international fast food outlets), bars, places of worship, hotels, schools, shops, shopping centres, housing compounds, outdoor recreation events and tourist areas.
This caution should be exercised in particular in Jakarta, including the central business and embassy districts, in other metropolitan and tourist centres in Java and Sumatra, and around premises and symbols associated with the Indonesian Government.
The recommendation that Australians defer non-essential travel applies to Indonesia as a whole. We advise Australians to avoid all travel to Aceh, and those in Aceh are advised to depart. We further advise Australians to read carefully the sections below on travel to west Timor, Maluku and North Maluku, North, South and Central Sulawesi, and Papua. There remains a potential risk to foreigners of kidnapping in areas close to the Philippines, such as the outlying islands of North Sulawesi, and the border regions of Kalimantan.
We also caution about 'sweeping' operations (raids) by militant Islamic groups against bars, nightclubs and other public places which might seek to identify Australians. Australians should take particular care to avoid public demonstrations.
This advice should be read in conjunction with our General Advice for Australian Travellers at http://www.dfat.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/General , our Travel Bulletin on Aceh at http://www.dfat.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Trav ... esia:_Aceh , our Travel Bulletin on international schools at http://www.dfat.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Trav ... al_Schools and our Travel Bulletin on terrorist threats over the festive period at http://www.dfat.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Trav ... ive_Period .
Safety and Security
We continue to advise Australians to defer non-essential travel to Indonesia, including Bali. The 5 August attack at the JW Marriott Hotel in central Jakarta is a reminder that terrorist groups are active in Indonesia and that attacks could occur at any time. We continue to receive reports suggesting that terrorist elements in Indonesia are planning attacks, and such attacks could occur at any time and could be directed at a variety of targets, including embassies, international schools, international hotels, churches, shopping centres, transport hubs or identifiably western interests, including businesses. Security at the Australian Embassy in Jakarta remains at a high level as a precautionary measure.
In addition to the Marriott Hotel attack, other explosions have occurred in Jakarta and elsewhere in Indonesia, including Bali on 12 October 2002. Given the risk that further explosions may be attempted, Australians in Indonesia should exercise extreme caution, especially in all commercial and public places frequented by foreigners such as - but not limited to - clubs, restaurants (such as international fast food outlets), bars, places of worship, hotels, schools, shops, shopping centres and identifiably western businesses, housing compounds, outdoor recreation events and tourist areas.
Particular caution should be exercised in Jakarta, including the central business and embassy districts, in other major metropolitan and tourist centres in Java and Sumatra, and around premises and symbols associated with Indonesian Government authorities.
Australians in Indonesia who are concerned for their security should consider departing. Australians who remain in Indonesia are urged to monitor the Australian Embassy's website for updated travel bulletins and register their contact details with the Embassy in Jakarta (see below for contact details). This will help us to contact you in the event of an emergency.
Australians should note that the recent arrests and current trials of extremists by the Indonesian authorities could prompt a strong reaction from their supporters, including possible demonstrations or acts of terrorism.
Australians should take particular care to avoid public demonstrations which occur from time to time.
Australians are also cautioned about 'sweeping' operations (raids) by militant Islamic groups against bars, nightclubs and other public places in Indonesia particularly during religious holidays, including Ramadan which began on 27 October and usually lasts for 30 days. These groups may also seek to identify Australians specifically in their 'sweeping' activities.
There have been a number of incidents where Australians in and around Jakarta have been robbed after having their car tyre deliberately punctured. If travelling with a driver, passengers should remain in the vehicle, with all doors locked, while the tyre is being changed. Australians should be aware that threats and assaults have been committed in taxis. Australians should arrange their transport using only reputable taxi companies that maintain counters inside the airport, and can be booked by phone or from stands at major hotels.
Further information on developments within Indonesia may be obtained from the Australian Embassy in Jakarta.
The recommendation that Australians defer non-essential travel reflects the general threat of terrorism throughout Indonesia. We further advise Australians to read the sections below carefully for additional regional information where additional safety and security issues apply.
Aceh: Australians are advised to avoid all travel to Aceh, and those in Aceh are advised to depart. A state of military emergency took effect in the province on 19 May 2003. There is ongoing fighting between Indonesian government forces and separatists. Indonesian authorities have declared the waters 12 nautical miles around Aceh closed to all foreign shipping. Those Australians who choose to remain in Aceh despite this advice should seek regular information updates from their employer about the security situation in their area.
Bali and Lombok: There have been a number of recent cases in Bali where tourists have fallen victim to organised gambling gangs. These gangs have extorted money from tourists to secure their safe release. Tourists travelling to Mt Rinjani, in Lombok, have been the target of criminal activity. Australians should obtain advice from the local authorities and only use a registered guide.
Kalimantan: Australians should be aware of communal tensions in mixed Dayak / Madurese areas which can sometimes turn violent. Australians near the border regions with the Philippines should also note the risk of kidnapping from terrorist groups such as the Abu Sayyaf Group based in south western Philippines.
Maluku and North Maluku: The states of civil emergency in North Maluku and Maluku have been lifted although the situation remains unsettled. Australians travelling to these provinces should exercise vigilance and carefully monitor local developments.
Papua: Australians who travel to Papua should exercise particular care and monitor local developments that might affect their safety, especially in view of the heightened security situation, following incidents in the Freeport Mine area of Papua in 2002. Prior to travel, Australians should seek current information from the Australian Embassy. Australians resident in Papua may also wish to seek regular information updates from their employer about the security situation in their area. With the exception of tourists, Australians travelling to Papua require a Surat Keterangan Jalan from the police. This can be obtained from the National Police Headquarters in Jakarta and should be sought well in advance of travel.
Sulawesi: The security situation in Central Sulawesi remains unsettled and sporadic sectarian clashes continue. There have been attacks on inter-provincial and inter-city buses in the area of Poso, including those carrying tourists. Sectarian and ethnic strife occurs sporadically in South Sulawesi. Australians are reminded of the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group's practice of kidnapping foreigners in south western Philippines, near Indonesia. This practice poses a potential risk to foreigners in areas close to the Philippines, such as the outlying islands of North Sulawesi.
West Timor: Following attacks on United Nations personnel in 2000, a high level of security alert remains for west Timor, particularly areas outside Kupang. Prior to travel, Australians should seek current information from the Australian Embassy.
Local Law and Customs
Australians are reminded that when overseas, they are subject to local laws. A violation of local laws may result in a jail sentence, served in a local prison.
Entry and Exit Requirements
Australian tourists continue to enjoy visa-free entry to Indonesia. Australians currently receive a free 60-day Short Stay Permit on arrival. The Indonesian Government is proposing changes to its visa entry requirements, but it is unclear which countries will be effected by the changes or when the new system will be introduced. For up-to-date visa information, Australians should contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia, well in advance of travel. Indonesia requires at least 6 months validity remaining on passports for visitors entering the country.
Australians in Indonesia are required to register with the local Rukun Tertangga (RT) Office, the local police and if staying more than 90 days, the local immigration office. Australians are also required to carry proper identification [Australian Passport or Kartu Ijin Tinggal Sementara (KITAS) or Residents Stay Permit] and ensure their visa remains current at all times.
Health Issues
Australians in Indonesia should be aware that the smoke haze across much of the north-west part of the archipelago, usually from July to October, could impact on their health and travel plans. Kalimantan and Sumatra are generally the worst affected areas.
Australians arriving at any port in Indonesia should be aware of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) related arrival procedures which includes mandatory referral to a doctor or SARS-designated hospital of any incoming passenger displaying symptoms of respiratory infection. The Indonesian Government has also issued Decree 424 of 3 April 2003, which gives effect to Law 4/1984 on epidemics and which gives the Government authority to quarantine people suspected of having SARS and obliges hospitals and people to report any suspected SARS patient to the nearest health office or village head, else risk a large fine or imprisonment. A travel bulletin on this issue can be found at http://www.dfat.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Trav ... y_Syndrome .
For information on prevalent diseases and inoculations, travellers should consult their doctor or a travel clinic. Contact details for travel clinics can be found in our 'Travelling Well' brochure available on the department's website.
Travel and Health Insurance
Travel and medical insurance is strongly recommended for all overseas travel. Travellers should check with their insurer to make sure that their policy meets their needs. In particular, travellers should be aware that some insurance companies will not pay claims which arise when travellers have disregarded the Government's travel advice.
Consular Assistance and Registration
Australians should register and may obtain consular assistance from:
Australian Embassy
Jalan H R Rasuna Said Kav C 15-16
Jakarta Selatan 12940 Indonesia
Telephone (62 21) 25505555
Facsimile (62 21) 5261690
Website http://www.austembjak.or.id/news
Australian Consulate General
Jalan Prof Moh Yamin 4
Renon
Denpasar Bali Indonesia
Telephone (62 361) 235092
Facsimile (62 361) 231990
Limited consular assistance, which does not include the issue of Australian passports, may be obtained from:
Australian Consulate
Jalan R A Kartini 32
Medan 20152
North Sumatra Indonesia
Telephone (62 61) 4157810
Facsimile (62 61) 4156820
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade also offers an on-line registration service, accessible via the internet, at http://www.orao.dfat.gov.au . Australians planning travel and those overseas are encouraged to monitor our travel advice updates, including through use of our free subscription service, at smartraveller.gov.au.