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Indonesia


This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Local Travel (Air Travel – Departure Tax) section. The overall level of the advice has not changed.
We advise against all travel to Central Sulawesi Province and Maluku Province, especially Ambon. Both provinces have been subject to outbreaks of internal violence and the security situation continues to remain unsettled. See the Local Travel (Central Sulawesi Province and Maluku and North Maluku Provinces) sections of this advice for more details.


We advise you to exercise caution when travelling to Aceh, which is emerging from a long-running internal conflict. You should exercise particular caution when travelling to remote areas. You should also monitor all available information on the local situation.


There remains a high threat from terrorism in Indonesia. We believe that terrorists continue to plan attacks, which could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Terrorist attacks in Bali in October 2005 and October 2002 killed and injured a number of British nationals. See the Terrorism section of this advice for more details of previous attacks.


Bali will host the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change from 3-14 December 2007 in Nusa Dua. There is heightened security in Bali and Indonesian authorities are taking measures to protect this high-profile event, and its participants. Access to certain areas around venues will be restricted during this time. You should avoid large crowds and demonstrations and are reminded of the need for caution when travelling in Indonesia. See the Political Situation and Local Travel sections of this advice for more details.


If you are visiting or are resident in Indonesia, you should exercise caution at all times. You should also take sensible precautions for your personal safety and avoid large crowds, political gatherings and demonstrations. We strongly advise you to ensure that you are comfortable with, and regularly review your own and your family’s security arrangements.


You should be aware of concerns about the safety of Indonesian airlines. On 28 June 2007, the EU announced that all Indonesian airlines, including the national carrier, Garuda are banned from entering the EU. You should use other airlines if possible.


Indonesia sits along a volatile seismic strip called the ‘Ring of Fire’ and volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis are possible. In 2007 there have been a number of major earthquakes, most recently on 12 and 13 September 2007. See the Natural Disasters section of this advice for more details.


Outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Indonesia have resulted in a number of human fatalities. See the Health (Avian Influenza) section of this advice and also read the FCO’s Avian and Pandemic Influenza Factsheet for more details.


The main types of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in Indonesia in 2006 were for: assisting victims of crime; overstaying visas; deaths, mostly from natural causes, watersports and road accidents; and drug possession. Penalties for illegal drug importation and use are severe and can include the death penalty.


We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. See the general (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.