Activism Change

Indonesia safety bulletin 2 June

Question:

The bulletin below was sent out by British Embassy Jakarta today and summarises some of the current risks in Indonesia. Some people are forecasting violence in last few days of campaigning up to election on 7th June. The information is targetted at expat residents rather than tourists but can still be useful. Roger Kidley Jakarta British Embassy Jakarta: Advice to The British Community Please note this advice is reviewed and, if necessary, updated daily. The version below is the Embassy’s latest advice. Version 1999/12 updated  at 09.30 on Wednesday 2 June 1999 GENERAL ADVICE. So far the election campaign has been peaceful.  The official campaign period ends on 4 June, followed by a two days ‘cooling off’ period before voting on Monday 7 June.    However, there is always a risk in Indonesia that any large-scale gatherings can turn violent.   The possibility of disruption and violence will remain high during the post-election period leading up to the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Special Meeting (scheduled for late August). Dates to watch: The official daily campaign programme in Jakarta is published in the Jakarta Post (and other newspapers). British nationals are advised not to travel to Ambon and Maluku Province or to West Kalimantan (West Borneo)  which have been subject to serious rioting and violence recently.  Non-essential travel should be deferred to the area around Lhokseumawe (North Aceh) where there have been some violent clashes.    Particular care should be taken in Irian Jaya where an independence movement is active.  The situation in East Timor is volatile and potentially dangerous.  Permits are required from the Police to travel to Irian Jaya (except Jayapura and Biak) and  East Timor. There were some disturbances in the Kuta district of Bali at the end of April.   These were localised and not directed against foreigners.  But in Bali as elsewhere it is best to avoid large gatherings. There is an increased risk of crime.  Review the security of your residence and keep doors locked and windows secure when in your car. Avoid travelling alone at night.  When taking a taxi, use one from a reputable firm, preferably booked by phone. For longer journeys it is a sensible precaution to notify friends of travel plans,   contact them on arrival and where possible travel in convoy.  There have been reports of cars being stopped and passengers robbed on highways.  If you have a mobile telephone, take it with you. There is also an increased threat to British interests in Indonesia from global terrorism. Notes: 1. Recorded travel advice is available on a 24 hour basis on (021) 392 8622 (5 lines).   In a crisis, when the Embassy Emergency Centre is open, ringing this number will give you the option of talking to a member of staff.  When the Centre is not open, the Embassy’s Duty Officer can be contacted on 0816 769881 in an emergency.  Advice can also be obtained by dialling Pollfax on (021) 319 04327. This advice is also available on the Embassy’s Homepage: www.british-enb-jakarta.or.id 2. British Nationals may like to note that Fiscal Tax can be paid prior to departure at the Tax and Customs Depts.  of the following branches of the Bank Buana: Jl Asemka No.32-36, Kota, telephone (021) 692 2045, and Jl Gajah Mada No.1, Kota, telephone (021) 633 0585 (Receipt for payment is valid for 12 months only). 3. For the latest toll road information please telephone 841 3526 extension 256 or 266.   The Cawang-Tomang-Cengkareng toll road information number is 801 1735.  Toll road information can also be heard (in Bahasa Indonesian) on FM 100.9 4. The Embassy and the Consulate are open Monday to Thursday, 0745 am to 4.00 pm and Friday, 0745 am to 12.45pm.  The Embassy switchboard number is (021) 315 6264.   The Consulate telephone number is (021) 390 7484-87. 5.  The British Embassy cannot accept liability for injury, loss or damage arising from the above advice.

Response:

and this is latest bulletin from Australia Embassy – updates at <http://www.austembjak.or.id Australian Embassy Jakarta Bulletin to Australian Citizens Living in Indonesia Released Wednesday 02 June 1999 This notice updates information provided in our bulletin of: 28 May 1999. Dates to Watch:         3 & 4 June

Filed under: Political campaigning

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