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Travellers are advised to defer non-essential travel to Indonesia. Travellers in Indonesia who are concerned for their safety
should consider departing. Travellers who consider their presence in Indonesia to be essential should exercise extreme caution. The
recommendation that travellers defer non-essential travel applies to Indonesia as a whole, including Bali.
Following the bomb attacks at Kuta Square and Jimbaran Bay in Bali on 1 October, which killed and injured a significant number of people, including Travellers, further terrorist attacks in Bali cannot be ruled out. Any popular tourist area or location known to be frequented by Westerners is a particular target, including resort areas such as Kuta, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran and Seminyak. Travellers in Bali should exercise extreme caution and consider departing if concerned for their safety.
We continue to receive a stream of credible reporting suggesting that terrorists are in the advanced stages of planning attacks against Western interests in Indonesia. Attacks could occur at any time, anywhere in Indonesia and could be directed at any locations known to be frequented by foreigners. We continue to assess that hotels, shopping centres, restaurants (including fast food outlets), bars, identifiably 'western businesses', schools, residential areas, embassies and all other areas where Westerners tend to gather could be targeted by terrorists without forewarning. The 1 October Bali bombings and bomb attack outside the Australian Embassy on 9 September 2004 underscore that the threat to Travellers in Indonesia is real. On 29 August, Indonesian President Yudhoyono called for heightened security in Indonesia during September and October due to the risk of terrorist attack.
Travellers are advised to avoid all travel to Aceh and Maluku province, particularly Ambon due to the unstable security situation and risk of terrorist attack. Travellers in Aceh and Maluku should depart. As with elsewhere in Indonesia there is a risk of terrorist attack throughout Aceh and Maluku.
Travellers are advised not to travel to Banda Aceh or other parts of Aceh to participate in humanitarian relief efforts unless under the auspices of a recognised aid organisation that has a security plan approved by Indonesian authorities to ensure the safety and security of its personnel.
Travellers participating in the tsunami relief effort in northern Sumatra should ensure they have a robust security plan in place. We advise Travellers not associated with recognised aid organisations and who are not covered by an approved security plan to depart in the interests of their own safety. All Travellers in Sumatra and Aceh should register with the Australian Embassy via the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on-line registration service.
There remains a 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.
Civil Unrest/Political Tension
Several large public demonstrations are planned in Jakarta and possibly other cities around Indonesia from 28 September, 2005 to
protest impending fuel price hikes announced by the government of Indonesia. Travellers are advised to avoid demonstrations and large
public gatherings as they may turn violent. Most demonstrations are publicised in advance by the media and participating organisations.
The areas near the Presidential Palace and the other major government buildings are popular sites for demonstrations.
Raids and assaults ('sweeping' operations) by militant Islamic groups against bars, nightclubs and other public places in Indonesia
can take place during Ramadan. Ramadan is due to begin around 4th October 2005 and lasts for one month.
Aceh: Travellers are advised to avoid all travel to Aceh, and those in Aceh should depart. The Aceh Peace Agreement was signed on 15
August 2005. However, the security situation remains unstable. Indonesian authorities have declared the waters 12 nautical miles around
Aceh closed to all foreign shipping. Indonesian law bans tourists from entering Aceh and regulates the activities of other foreigners
in Aceh, including journalists and aid workers. Foreigners wishing to enter Aceh for work must have written permission from the
Indonesian Government.
Travellers are advised not to travel to Banda Aceh or other parts of Aceh to participate in humanitarian relief efforts unless under
the auspices of a recognised aid organisation that has a security plan approved by Indonesian authorities to ensure the safety and
security of its personnel. While it is not clear if the recent shooting of two aid workers was undertaken for criminal or political
reasons these incidents highlight the risk to aid workers in Aceh. Travellers participating in the tsunami relief effort in northern
Sumatra should ensure they have a robust security plan in place. We advise travellers not associated with recognised aid organisations
and who are not covered by an approved security plan to depart in the interests of their own safety.
Maluku and North Maluku: Travellers are advised to avoid all travel to Ambon, Maluku province due to the unsettled security
situation. Travellers in Maluku province, including Ambon, who are concerned for their safety, should depart. Violence in Ambon has
resulted in a number of deaths and serious injuries. The situation in Maluku and North Maluku provinces remains unsettled.
Kalimantan: Communal tensions in mixed Dayak and Madurese areas may turn violent. In northern Kalimantan, there is a danger
of kidnapping for ransom by insurgents, criminals and terrorists operating from the southern Philippines.
Papua: Political tensions associated with separatists in Papua and communal tensions between indigenous Papuans and groups
predominantly from other parts of Indonesia may lead to violence. Travellers travelling to Papua for other than tourist purposes r
equire a travel permit (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 South Sulawesi remains uncertain. Sporadic sectarian and ethnic violence continues to occur.
A bomb exploded in a cafe in Palopo in 2004, killing four people. There were specific threats against foreigners in the vicinity of
Saroako in May 2004 and the security situation there continues to be problematic.
The security situation in Central Sulawesi remains unsettled and sporadic sectarian clashes continue. In May 2005 bomb attacks at a
market in Tentena killed 19 people. There have been attacks on inter-provincial and inter-city buses in the area of Poso, including
those carrying tourists.
In North Sulawesi, near the Philippines border, there is a risk of kidnapping for ransom by insurgents, criminals and terrorists
operating from the southern Philippines.
West Timor: The security situation in West Timor remains unsettled, particularly in areas near the border with East Timor,
where security incidents continue to occur and have the potential to inflame local tensions. Foreigners were evacuated from the
border town of Atambua during riots there in early 2005. A degree of resentment towards Travellers still exists in the provincial
capital of Kupang. The UN has downgraded its security rating for West Timor to Phase III and UN personnel have returned.
Personal Security
There have been a number of incidents where travellers in and around Jakarta have been robbed after having their car tyre
deliberately punctured. Threats and assaults have been committed in taxis. Reputable taxi companies maintain counters inside
the airport and can be booked by phone or from stands at major hotels.
Local Conditions
Some coastal areas of Indonesia were hit by a large tsunami on 26 December 2004 resulting in widespread flooding and damage.
In March 2005 parts of the Nias and Simeulue Islands were severely damaged by a large earthquake. While basic services are now
operating across this region, it will be some time before adequate facilities are in place to service casual travellers. Due to
security concerns travellers are advised to avoid all travel to the west coast of Northern Sumatra, including Aceh Province and
offshore islands.
Piracy occurs in the coastal areas of Indonesia. Some treks on Mt Rinjani in Lombok are suitable only for experienced climbers.
Travelling with a guide is recommended.
Indonesia is located in an active seismic region. There has been a high level of earthquake activity in the region since the 26
December 2004 earthquake and tsunami. The Indonesian Directorate of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation provides daily
updates on the status and Alert Level for volcanoes in Indonesia. Weekly reports on volcanic activity are also provided by the
Smithsonian Institution. In the event of an earthquake or volcanic activity, local authorities will provide advice.
Local Law and Customs
Travellers are reminded that when overseas, they are subject to local laws. Local laws and legal processes can be very different from
those in your country. A violation of local laws may result in a jail sentence, served in a local prison. Consular assistance
cannot override local law, even where local laws may appear harsh or unjust by your standards.
Penalties for drug offences can be severe and include the death penalty. Penalties for possession of even small amounts of
recreational drugs include heavy fines and imprisonment. In August 2005 Indonesian Police launched an official campaign
targeting illegal drug use and possession across Indonesia, including Bali and Jakarta. The campaign has included the raiding of
popular nightclubs and urine testing suspected drug users. While the campaign is not targeting travellers, the crack-down has
resulted in travellers being detained and arrested on suspicion of drug-related offences, including for possession of small
quantities of 'recreational' drugs.
Gambling is illegal in Indonesia. There have been cases where tourists have fallen victim to organised gambling gangs, particularly
in Bali resulting in the loss of large sums of money and threats of violence if travellers are unable to pay the debt.
Drivers must have an Indonesian or International drivers licence appropriate to the type of vehicle.
Entry and Exit Requirements
Travellers 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. Travellers are also required to carry proper identification in the form of a Passport
or Kartu Ijin Tinggal Sementara (KITAS) or Residents Stay Permit and ensure their visa remains current at all times.
Visa conditions are subject to change. For up-to-date visa information, Travellers should contact the nearest Indonesian Embassy
or Consulate, well in advance of travel.
Health Issues
Since July 2005, there have been human deaths from avian influenza in Indonesia. In September 2005 the Australian Government
decided as a precautionary measure to stockpile the antiviral medicine oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and protective face masks at its
missions in Indonesia for the use of staff and their families in the event of a more widespread outbreak of avian influenza
amongst humans.
The Department of Health and Ageing has received reports of 'polio' in West Java. A large-scale immunisation campaign is
underway in the affected area.
The Department of Health and Ageing advises all travellers to Indonesia to ensure they have completed a primary course of polio
vaccinations prior to travel. In addition, travellers to the West Java region should have a single booster dose of a polio
vaccine if it has been more 10 years since their primary polio vaccination course or last polio booster dose. Travellers unsure of
their polio vaccination status should consult a medical practitioner prior to travel.
Indonesian authorities have reported a significant increase in cases of dengue fever. Doctors and travel clinics can provide
advice about anti-mosquito precautions.
Smoke haze across much of the north-west part of the archipelago, usually from July to October, could impact on health and travel
plans. Kalimantan and Sumatra are generally the worst affected areas.
For information on prevalent diseases and inoculations, travellers should consult their doctor, travel clinic or the World Health
Organization.
Travel and Health Insurance
Travel and health 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 seek advice from their insurer on what type
of circumstances and activities are the subject of exclusions in their policy.
Source: Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
Check out previous safety warnings issued by DFAT.
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