Cheap car hire in Indonesia - Safety and Security

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Safety and Security

SAFETY AND SECURITY: Indonesia is experiencing an ongoing terrorist threat. A series of bombings over the past two years has struck religious, political, and business targets in a variety of locations in Indonesia. The potential remains throughout Indonesia for violence and terrorist actions against U.S. citizens and interests; the Marriott Hotel in Jakarta on August 5, 2003 and a tourist area of Bali on October 12, 2002, were the scenes of major terrorist attacks. U.S. citizens were injured or killed in both of these incidents.

The Jemaah Islamiyah organization, designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, is an extremist group known to have cells operating in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, and is known to have connections with al-Qaeda. The terrorist attacks in Jakarta and Bali, which took place in areas with large numbers of foreign tourists and expatriates, clearly indicate that a security threat extends to private citizens. The U.S. Government believes extremist elements may be planning additional attacks targeting U.S. interests in Indonesia, particularly U.S. Government officials and facilities.
As security is increased at official U.S. facilities, terrorists will seek softer targets. These may include facilities where Americans and Westerners are known to live, congregate, shop, or visit, especially hotels, clubs, restaurants, shopping centers, housing compounds, transportation systems, places of worship, schools, or outdoor recreation events. Bombings have been an ongoing problem over the past two and a half years and have struck religious, political, and business targets. In April 2003, a bomb exploded at the Jakarta international airport. Americans should avoid political demonstrations, which have the potential to turn violent.

On May 19, 2003, the Indonesian government declared martial law in Aceh and launched significant military operations in response to the ongoing separatist conflict between the Indonesian military and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM). The Indonesian government has warned all foreigners to leave Aceh and gave notice that this conflict could result in terrorist attacks outside Aceh, particularly in urban areas where security forces are on a higher state of alert. Because of the hostilities, at least one foreigner was killed and one wounded by security forces. American citizens are strongly urged to avoid traveling to Aceh, and those already present should leave immediately.

There is a risk of kidnappings by the Abu Sayyaf Group, a terrorist/criminal organization, in the border areas of Indonesia near Malaysia and the Philippines. The Abu Sayyaf Group has previously carried out kidnappings in Malaysia and the Philippines, and the group also has the operational capability to do so in Indonesia.

In addition to terrorism, there is potential for violence and unrest; both can erupt without warning. Sectarian, ethnic, communal (inter-intra group) and separatist strife, and violence are ongoing threats to personal safety and security in various areas, including Maluku, North Maluku, Central Sulawesi, Papua and West Timor. Papua’s separatist conflict can become violent. In August 2002, two U.S. citizens were killed near Timika in circumstances that have raised suspicions of official involvement.

Americans who travel to Indonesia should keep a low profile, varying times and routes for all required travel, remaining acutely aware of their immediate environment. The U.S. Mission in Indonesia may occasionally suspend service to the public, or close, because of security concerns. In these situations, the Embassy and Consulate will continue to provide emergency services to American citizens.

American travelers and American residents are urged to update their passports and important personal papers in case it becomes necessary to depart Indonesia quickly. Travel distances, poor communications, and the health care infrastructure make it extremely difficult for the Embassy to respond to U.S. citizen emergencies. In addition, many parts of Indonesia (including many tourist destinations) are isolated and difficult to reach via available transportation modes and/or communication links.

Travelers should consult the most recent Travel Warning for Indonesia for updated information on travel conditions within the country. Public Announcements and Travel Warnings can be found on the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ home page at http://travel.state.gov.