Australia : Defer ‘’Non-essential Travel to Indonesia, Including Bali”

Australians are advised to defer non-essential travel to Indonesia. Australians in Indonesia who are concerned for their safety should consider departing. Australians who consider their presence in Indonesia to be essential should exercise extreme caution. The Advice was issued on Wednesday (18 May 2005).

On 17 May 2005, the Jakarta Metropolitan Police (POLRI) issued a warning about possible further suicide bombings in Jakarta. The warning identifies as potential targets a number of places frequented by foreigners, in particular embassies, international schools, office buildings and shopping malls. No timeframe is indicated in the POLRI warning, but we assess that attacks could occur at any time. In addition, we continue to receive reports that terrorists in the region are planning attacks against a range of targets. The POLRI warning underlines that these attacks could occur at any time, anywhere in Indonesia and could be directed against any locations known to be frequented by foreigners. The bomb attack outside the Australian Embassy on 9 September 2004 underscores the ongoing terrorist threat to Australians in Indonesia.
The recommendation that Australians defer non-essential travel applies to Indonesia as a whole, including Bali. Australians are advised to avoid all travel to Aceh and Maluku province, particularly Ambon. Australians in Aceh and Maluku should depart.
In view of these security concerns Australians should not travel to Banda Aceh or other parts of Aceh to participate in humanitarian relief efforts unless under the auspices of a recognized aid organization that has facilities in place to accommodate and feed staff and a security plan approved by Indonesian authorities to ensure the safety and security of its personnel. From 26 March 2005 all foreigners wishing to travel to Aceh will require written permission to do so prior to entry. In view of the terrorist threat information, Australians in northern Sumatra should ensure they have a robust security plan in place. All Australians in Sumatra and Aceh should register with the Australian Embassy via the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on-line registration service (http://www.orao.dfat.gov.au)