Being Careful: Aceh

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office advise against all travel to Aceh except for those involved in post-tsunami humanitarian and reconstruction work under the auspices of a recognised aid organisation that has a security plan approved by the Indonesian authorities to ensure the safety and security of its personnel. Parts of Aceh remain affected by a long running internal conflict with the possibility of armed clashes. An aid worker was shot and injured while travelling at night in West Aceh on 23 June. Relief agencies should check the local security advice of the UN Office for Crisis and Humanitarian Affairs in Banda Aceh.

We advise against travel to some parts of Maluku, especially Ambon, and some parts of Central Sulawesi, which are experiencing civilian unrest. At least 22 people were killed in a bomb attack in Central Sulawesi on Saturday 28 May.

There remains a high threat from terrorism in Indonesia. We continue to receive reports that terrorists in Indonesia are planning further attacks on Westerners and Western interests. Attacks could occur at any time, anywhere in Indonesia and are likely to be directed against locations and buildings frequented by foreigners.

The Indonesian Police are on a state of high alert in Jakarta, and have deployed additional personnel around the city, including additional security arrangements for embassies.

Terrorists have shown in previous attacks, like the attack on the Australian Embassy, the Marriott Hotel, Jakarta and the Bali bombings, that they have the means and the motivation to carry out successful attacks.

Penalties for illegal drug importation and use are severe and can include the death penalty.



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