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Reviewed: 20 July 2009, 16:40 NZDT
Still current at:
08 November 2009
There is high risk to your security in Indonesia (including Jakarta, 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 and civil unrest in certain parts of Indonesia.
On 17 July 2009, two bomb attacks took place at the Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott hotels in the Mega Kuningan district of Jakarta. The Indonesian authorities have confirmed that at least eight people were killed and over 50 injured in the attacks.
Further 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 very high degree of personal security awareness at all times, choose their destinations and activities carefully and ensure appropriate security arrangements are in place. We recommend you monitor the media and local information sources for any new information on potential threats to your safety and adhere to any restrictions and instructions issued by the local authorities. New Zealanders are advised to respect religious and social traditions in Indonesia to avoid offending local sensitivities.
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. Although the situation has stabilised, there has been an increase in violence of a criminal nature. There was an increase in politically-motivated violence in the lead up to the April 2009 legislative elections. A high degree of caution should be exercised when travelling in Aceh, particularly in remote areas. New Zealanders are advised to avoid all political gatherings and demonstrations as they have the potential to turn violent with little warning.
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 (high risk)
We advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel to Central Sulawesi (including to Palu, Poso and Tentena) due to the fragile security situation stemming from long-standing religious tensions and terrorist activity.
Maluku (high risk)
We advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel to Maluku (particularly Ambon) due to the security situation. Long-standing religious tensions in Maluku have resulted in serious civil unrest and violent incidents in the past. The situation in Maluku is currently stable but underlying tensions remain.
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 rivalry can lead to violent clashes. Sporadic violence has occurred in recent months. On 11 and 12 July 2009, fatal shootings occurred near the Freeport Mine in Papua. 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.
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 piracy report: www.icc-ccs.org
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/update 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
Website www.nzembassy.com/indonesia
Office Hours Mon-Fri 0730 – 1600 hrs, Fri 0730 – 1300 hrs
