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Reviewed: 18 December 2007, 15:20 NZDT
Still current at:
15 October 2008
There is extreme risk to your security in Maluku Province and Central Sulawesi Province and we advise against all travel to these regions. Violence stemming from long-standing religious tensions and a heightened risk from terrorism makes travel to these regions exceedingly dangerous.
There is high risk to your security elsewhere in Indonesia (including Bali, Batam and Bintan) and we advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel due to the continuing high threat from terrorism. There is also a risk of kidnapping in certain parts of Indonesia.
Although the Indonesian authorities have made a number of arrests in recent times, a high threat from terrorism remains. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time, anywhere in Indonesia, and could be directed at any location known to be frequented by foreigners. Possible targets for terrorist attacks include (but are not limited to) embassies, hotels, bars, restaurants (including fast food outlets), identifiably western businesses, shopping malls, schools, places of worship, tourist resorts, residential areas and all other areas where foreigners tend to gather.
New Zealanders in Indonesia are advised to exercise a high degree of personal security awareness at all times, choose their destinations and activities carefully and ensure they are content with security arrangements. New Zealanders with concerns for their safety in extreme risk areas should consider departing. We recommend you monitor the media and follow the advice of the local authorities.
Demonstrations are a feature of Indonesian life, especially in Jakarta. Most demonstrations pass without incident, but we advise New Zealanders to avoid all demonstrations, rallies and large crowds as they have the potential to turn violent with little warning.
The above advice applies throughout Indonesia.
We offer the following additional comments on the security situation in particular regions.
Aceh high risk
Indonesian authorities and the Free Aceh Movement signed a peace agreement in August 2005, officially ending hostilities. The situation has stabilised and largely peaceful local elections were held in 2006 and 2007. Isolated incidents of violence, usually of a criminal nature continue to occur. A high degree of caution should be exercised when travelling in Aceh, particularly in remote areas.
Bali high risk
Our advice against all tourist and other non-essential travel extends to Bali. Further terrorist attacks like the Bali bombings of October 2005 (which killed 20 and injured over 100) and October 2002 (which killed 202), cannot be ruled out. The most likely targets are areas frequented by foreigners.
Central Sulawesi extreme risk
We advise against all travel to Central Sulawesi (including to Palu, Poso and Tentena) due to violence stemming from long-standing religious tensions and terrorist activity. There is an extreme risk to your security in this region.
Maluku extreme risk
We advise against all travel to Maluku (particularly Ambon) due to the unstable security situation. Long-standing religious tensions in Maluku have resulted in serious civil unrest and violent incidents in the past. The situation in Maluku remains volatile.
Papua and West Papua high risk
The security situation in Papua and West Papua remains unpredictable. Political tensions associated with anti-government groups and inter-ethnic tensions may lead to violent clashes. If you are travelling to Papua or West Papua for reasons other than tourism, a travel permit from National Police Headquarters in Jakarta is required. There is a risk of kidnapping in Papua.
Kalimantan high risk
In coastal areas of northern Kalimantan there may be a danger of kidnapping for ransom by criminals or terrorists operating from the southern Philippines.
Piracy is a problem in South East Asian waters, particularly in the Straits of Malacca and in the waters between Sabah in Malaysia and the southern Philippines. Mariners are advised to take appropriate precautionary measures in these waters. For more information view the International Maritime Bureau’s weekly piracy report [external link].
New Zealanders travelling or resident in Indonesia should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air.
New Zealanders travelling or resident in Indonesia are strongly encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
See our regional advice for Southeast Asia
For other countries' travel advice
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Contact details are:
Street Address Sentral Senayan 2, 10th Floor, Jl Asia Afrika No 8, Gelora Bung Karno, Jakarta Pusat 10270
Postal Address PO Box 2349 JKT 10024, Jakarta 10210, Indonesia
Telephone (+
62 21) 2995 5800 Facsimile (+ 62 21) 5797 4578
Email: nzembjak@cbn.net.id
