Travel Warning updates on Indonesia

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR BALI AND OTHER PARTS OF INDONESIA

This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information in the Summary and under Safety and Security: Civil Unrest/Political Tension (elections update). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Summary

* We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Indonesia, including Bali, at this time due to the very high threat of terrorist attack.
* We continue to receive credible information that terrorists could be planning attacks in Indonesia and that Bali remains an attractive target for terrorists. You should exercise great care, particularly around locations that have a low level of protective security.
* If you do decide to travel to Indonesia, you should exercise extreme caution.
* Previous terrorist attacks against Westerners in Bali and Jakarta indicate these areas are priority targets. You should take particular care to avoid places known to be terrorist targets. See the Terrorism section for details.
* Presidential elections will be held on 8 July 2009, with a possible second round on 8 September 2009. Large political demonstrations and rallies are likely throughout the country during these election periods.
* Australians should avoid all protests, demonstrations and rallies as they can turn violent. Australians should exercise a high level of vigilance and personal security awareness at all times.
* We advise you to read carefully the sections on travel to Aceh, Central Sulawesi Province, East Kalimantan, Maluku, Papua and West Timor where additional safety risks exist.
* The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed human deaths from avian influenza in Indonesia, including Bali. The Indonesian Government has declared that rabies is present in Bali. See the Health Issues section below for advice to Australians travelling to or resident in Indonesia.
* You should telephone ahead for an appointment before going to the Australian Embassy (See Where to Get Help).
* Because of the serious terrorist threat we strongly recommend that you register your travel and contact details with us so we can contact you in an emergency.
* Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:
o organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy