Government Updates Security Warning For Travellers To Indonesia

Americans, Australians, Caucasians advised to avoid travel to Greater Depok, Bogor areas on Java  

THE AUSTRALIAN
By Rosie Lewis
01/06/2015

THE federal government has updated its advice to Australians travelling to Indonesia after America warned of a potential threat against US-associated hotels and banks in Java.

Australians have also been told that Indonesian immigration officials may refuse entry to anyone with a criminal record.

In advice updated yesterday, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade says: “On 3 January 2015, the US government warned of a potential threat against US-associated hotels and banks in Surabaya.”

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop today said Australia was monitoring the situation “very closely."

“We work very closely with the Indonesian security and intelligence and law enforcement agencies,” Ms Bishop said. “We have seen incidents in the past where Australians have been killed; we all remember the two Bali bombings where Australians were killed. So the threat of terrorist activity anywhere in the world remains.”

Australians should always be cautious travelling overseas, especially as Indonesia has been an area of terrorism activity for some time, she said.

Australians have already been advised to exercise a high degree of caution in Indonesia, including Bali.

DFAT’s website smartraveller.gov.au says: “We continue to receive information that indicates that terrorists may be planning attacks in Indonesia, which could take place at any time.

“Terrorist groups remain active throughout Indonesia despite police disruptions. Police continue to conduct operations against these groups and have stated publicly that terrorist suspects remaining at large may seek to attack western targets.

“You should exercise particular caution around locations that have a low level of protective security and avoid places known to be possible terrorist targets.”

Australians have also been told to avoid protests, demonstrations and rallies.

Ms Bishop said she would feel comfortable holidaying in Bali but warned if Australians couldn’t afford travel insurance they should rethink their plans.

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Posted in: Australia,Expat Advisory,Indonesia