Australian Government Travel Advisory for Indonesia overall

Australian Government Travel Advisory for Indonesia overall

• Exercise a high degree of caution

For Central Sulawesi, Maluku, Papua and West Papua provinces

• Reconsider your need to travel

General

·  We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Indonesia, including Bali, at this time due to the high threat of terrorist attack. You should also be aware of the severe penalties for narcotics offences; some specific health risks; and risks associated with natural disasters. 

·  Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks. 

·  We continue to receive information that indicates that terrorists may be planning attacks in Indonesia, which could take place at any time. 

·  Since early 2010, police have disrupted a number of terrorist groups in North Sumatra, Lampung, Banten, Jakarta and Central Java. Police also disrupted an alleged terrorist cell in Bali on 18 March 2012. Police continue to conduct operations against these groups. Police have stated publicly that terrorist suspects remain at large and that they 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. See the Safety and security section of this advice for details. 

·  Terrorists have previously attacked or planned to attack places where Westerners gather, including nightclubs, bars, restaurants, hotels, airports and places of worship in Bali, Jakarta and elsewhere in Indonesia. These types of venues could be targeted again. 

·  Judicial processes, including trials of extremists and the implementation of sentences, could prompt a strong reaction from their supporters, such as demonstrations and acts of violence. 

·  Australians should avoid all protests, demonstrations and rallies as they can turn violent. 

·  Penalties for drug offences are severe and include the death penalty. Penalties for possession of even small amounts of recreational drugs include heavy fines and imprisonment. 

·  Indonesia is subject to a range of natural disasters including volcanos, earthquakes, tsunamis and floods. You should pay close attention to emergency procedures and monitor local warnings. 

·  There is a risk of rabies throughout Indonesia, in particular Bali and Nias. See the Health section below for advice to Australians travelling to or resident in Indonesia. 

·  We continue to advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Central Sulawesi, Maluku, Papua and West Papua provinces where additional safety risks exist. 

·  Since July 2009, there has been a series of violent attacks near the Freeport Mine in Papua province. One Australian has been killed in these attacks. There is a possibility of further attacks in Papua and West Papua provinces, including attacks on infrastructure and national institutions.

·  You should telephone ahead for an appointment before going to the Australian Embassy (See Where to get help section). 

·  Because of the high threat of terrorist attack in Indonesia we strongly recommend that you register your travel and contact details with us so we can contact you in an emergency.