Travel Warnings Issued by USA & Australia for BALI and other parts of Indonesia

This Advice was last issued on Monday, 05 January 2015.   This advice contains new information in the Summary and under Safety and security (on 3 January 2015, the US Government warned of a potential threat against US-associated hotels and banks in Surabaya) and under Entry and exit (Indonesian immigration staff may refuse entry to Indonesia to Australians with a criminal record). 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.

• 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, including the death penalty; 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.
• On 3 January 2015, the US Government warned of a potential threat against US-associated hotels and banks in Surabaya.
• Gatherings at places of worship over Christmas and New Year have been targeted in the past, particularly in places like Poso and Solo, and could be attacked again
• Gatherings of Westerners over this period could also be appealing targets for terrorists. Terrorists have previously attacked or planned to attack such places, including nightclubs, bars, restaurants, international hotels, airports and places of worship in Bali, Jakarta and elsewhere in Indonesia. These types of venues could be attacked again.
• 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 should avoid all protests, demonstrations and rallies as they can turn violent without warning.
• Indonesia is subject to a range of natural disasters including volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis and floods. You should pay close attention to emergency procedures and monitor local warnings.
• Visitors to Indonesia, particularly to tourist locations such as Bali and Lombok, should be aware of the specific risks from crime, and from drink-spiking and consumption of alcohol adulterated with harmful substances such as methanol. Tourists may also be exposed to scams and credit card/ATM fraud. There has been an increase in reports of violent crime in Bali, including muggings in the Kuta area. Be aware of your surroundings and conscious of the potential risks of crime (see under Safety and security for more information).
• Petty crime, such as opportunistic theft, is common in Indonesia. Thieves on motorcycles may snatch handbags and backpacks from pedestrians. Tourists may be exposed to scams and confidence tricks in Indonesia. Legal disputes are common regarding the purchase of real estate including land, houses, holiday clubs and time share schemes.
• You should exercise normal beach safety behaviour and consider carefully the risks involved in using motorcycles, including licence and insurance issues (See under Local travel for more information).
• Visitors should be aware that there is a risk of rabies throughout Indonesia, in particular Bali and Nias. See under Health for more information.
• We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Central Sulawesi, Maluku, Papua and West Papua provinces where additional safety and security risks exist. Since October 2012, a number of violent incidents have been reported in Poso, Central Sulawesi.
• Since July 2009, there has been a series of violent attacks in the area around the Freeport Mine in Papua province. A number of these incidents have resulted in deaths, including of one Australian. Attacks were reported in the area in December 2013 and January 2014. Further such attacks could occur. Information indicates that attacks may be planned near the area of operation of the Freeport mine.
• Ongoing violence in Puncak Jaya District in Papua Province has led to a number of deaths in recent years. There is a possibility of further attacks in Papua and West Papua provinces, including attacks on infrastructure and national institutions.