| Australian government warns on high risk of terror attacks in Jakarta The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has issued the following warning to Australians in Indonesia: “We continue to advise Australians to defer non-essential travel to Indonesia, including Bali. The 5th 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 so-called soft targets, including international hotels, shopping centres or identifiably western businesses. In light of these continuing reports, Australians should avoid international hotels in Jakarta. Given these risks, Australians still planning travel to Indonesia should consider whether their travel is essential. 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, shopping centres, 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 further advise Australians to avoid all travel to west Timor, Maluku and North Maluku, remote parts of South, Central and East Kalimantan, North, South and Central Sulawesi, and Papua. We advise Australians to avoid all travel to Aceh, and those in Aceh are advised to depart. There remains a potential risk to foreigners of kidnapping in areas close to the Philippines, such as North Sulawesi and outlying islands. 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.”
•Date:
15th August 2003 • Region: Australia / Asia Pacific •Type:
Article •Topic: Warnings
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