Nations advise against travel to Indonesia

HONG KONG, China (CNN) -- The United States, Britain and Australia are urging its citizens to avoid going to parts of Indonesia which have been gripped by ethnic violence.

On Tuesday, the U.S. State Department advised its citizens "to defer non-essential travel to Indonesia and all travel to Aceh, Maluku, Papua, West Timor, Borneo and Central Sulawesi."

The statement advised "extreme caution" for American citizens who travel to Indonesia, urging them to be cautious and keep a low profile.

"Indonesia is experiencing a major political transition and unrest, and violence can erupt with little forewarning anywhere in the country," the advisory said.

Australia has also advised its citizens to defer all travel to Sampit in Central Kalimantan, West Timor, and Irian Jaya, Maluku and North Maluku (in particular Ambon and northern Halmahera Island), until further notice.

The advisory cited the continued unrest and incidence of violence in these areas, as reasons for the advisory.

The statement also urged Australians who are traveling or residing in other regions in Indonesia, to keep them informed of developments that might affect their safety, and to maintain a high level of personal security awareness.

Britain has issued a similar travel advisory for Indonesia, which covers Central Kalimantan, Maluku, Central Sulawesi and West Timor.

Ethnic violence in Indonesia, particularly in Central Kalimantan are believed to have claimed more than 400 lives, although aid agencies believe the actual death toll is double this figure.

The clashes between immigrant Madurese people and the indigenous Dayaks are just the latest of what has become a recurring cycle of ethnic and separatist violence throughout the country.

The turmoil in many of the territories has added fury to calls for President Abdurrahman Wahid to resign.

Journalist killed in Aceh
February 19, 2001
Indonesian troops begin seizing militias' weapons
September 29, 2000

British Consulate-General Hong Kong
US State Department - Services - Travel Warnings & Consular Information Sheets
Travel Advice Index - Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

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