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Indonesia - Consular Information Sheet
August 10, 2001
TRAVEL WARNING (Issued on August 10, 2001): The Department
of State urges American citizens to defer nonessential travel
to Indonesia and all travel to Aceh, Maluku, Papua, West Timor,
Central and West Kalimantan (Borneo) and Central Sulawesi. Those
who must travel to Indonesia, or who are resident there, should
exercise extreme caution.
The U. S. Government has received information that indicates
extremist elements may be planning to target U.S. interests in
Indonesia, particularly U.S. Government facilities, and could
also extend to U.S. tourists and tour groups. In addition, social
unrest and violence can erupt with little forewarning anywhere
in the country. Bombings of religious, political and business
targets have occurred throughout the country.
In light of this threat to U.S. interests, all American citizens
in Indonesia, including tourists and hotel guests, should take
precautions to ensure their safety. American citizens are urged
to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate
steps to reduce their vulnerability. Americans in Indonesia should
maintain a low profile, vary routes and times for all required
travel, and treat mail and packages from unfamiliar sources with
suspicion.
Due to the continuing threat of serious violence, all travel
should be avoided to the regions of Aceh, Maluku, West Timor,
Central and West Kalimantan and Central Sulawesi. Further, all
travel by U.S. and other foreign government officials to Aceh,
Papua and the Moluccas (provinces of North Maluku and Maluku)
has been restricted by the Indonesian government because of security
concerns. Private Americans should adhere to these same restrictions.
A massive bombing campaign struck churches throughout Indonesia
on Christmas Eve 2000, leaving at least 16 dead and over one hundred
injured. Bombings occurred in the cities of Medan, Pekanbaru,
Batam, Bandung, Sukabumi, Bekasi, Jakarta, Mojokerto, Surabaya
and Mataram. Bombings have also occurred over the past year at
Indonesian government buildings, foreign diplomatic facilities
and business and financial centers, including the Jakarta Stock
Exchange. More explosive devices have been discovered in Jakarta
since Christmas and there are indications that the bombings may
continue.
On occasion, the U.S. mission in Indonesia may have to suspend
services to the public or close because of security concerns.
In those situations, the Embassy will continue to be available
by telephone to offer emergency services to American citizens.
Some foreign travelers in troubled areas of Indonesia have been
subject to arbitrary arrest, detention and deportation and, on
at least one occasion, false accusations of espionage. In November
2000 in the central Java city of Solo, groups opposed to U.S.
policy undertook or threatened "sweeps," trying to identify
American citizens and order them to depart the country. There
also have been a number of acts of intimidation and violence directed
at American companies and U.S. diplomatic facilities. Indonesian
security officials have sometimes been unwilling or unable to
respond.
The Abu Sayyaf terrorist group has been active throughout the
islands in the extreme southwest Philippines, near Indonesia,
and have kidnapped American citizens in the Philippines. American
citizens traveling to the border regions in Northern Kalimantan
and North Sulawesi, in particular the smaller islands closer to
the Philippines, are urged to review their security procedures.
American citizens resident or traveling in Indonesia are advised
to exercise caution at all times, be alert to suspicious or unclaimed
packages, vary times and routes and other aspects of personal
daily routine and keep a low profile. Updated information on travel
and security in Indonesia may be obtained from the U.S. Embassy
in Jakarta by calling tel. (62)(21)3435-9000, or the Consulate
General in Surabaya by calling tel. (62)(31) 567-2287/8.
For
further information, U.S. citizens planning to visit or reside
in Indonesia are advised to consult the Department of State's
Consular Information Sheet for Indonesia. The Consular Information
Sheet is available at any U.S. embassy or consulate abroad and
through the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet
home page at http://travel.state.gov.
This Travel Warning replaces the June 27, 2001 Travel Warning
for Indonesia to advise U.S. citizens of a threat to U.S. interests
from extremist elements.
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Indonesia is an independent republic
consisting of more than 13,500 islands spread over 3,000 miles.
Indonesia's economy is developing, and tourist services are plentiful
in the major tourist areas. East Timor voted for independence
from Indonesia on August 30, 1999 and is currently under the authority
of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor
(UNTAET). Please refer to the separate Consular Information Sheet
available on East Timor.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A passport valid for six months beyond
the intended date of departure from Indonesia is required. A visa
is not required for tourist stays up to two months. As of November
2000 the Government of Indonesia has been discussing implementing
visa requirements for foreign travelers. Travelers should reconfirm
entry requirements before traveling. For additional information
about entry requirements for Indonesia, travelers may contact
the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, 2020 Massachusetts Avenue,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036, telephone (202) 775-5200, fax (202)
775-5365.
DUAL NATIONALITY: Indonesian law does not recognize dual
nationality. Because of this, U.S. citizens who are also documented
as Indonesian nationals may experience difficulties with immigration
formalities in Indonesia. It may also hamper efforts to provide
consular protection when abroad. In addition to being subject
to all Indonesian laws affecting U.S. citizens, dual nationals
may also be subject to other laws that impose special obligations
on Indonesian citizens. .
SAFETY AND SECURITY: Indonesia is experiencing a major
political transition, and unrest and violence can erupt with little
forewarning anywhere in the country. Due to the continuing threat
of serious violence, American citizens should avoid all travel
to the regions of Aceh, Irian Jaya (also known as West Papua),
the Moluccas, Central Sulawesi and West Timor. All travel by U.S.
and other foreign government officials to Aceh, Irian Jaya and
the Moluccas (provinces of North Maluku and Maluku) has been restricted
by the Indonesian government because of security concerns. Private
Americans should adhere to these same restrictions. Travelers
should consult the most recent Public Announcement or Travel Warning
for Indonesia for updated information on travel within the country.
Public Announcements and Travel Warnings can be found on the
Bureau of Consular Affairs' home page at http://travel.state.gov/.
American citizens in all parts of Indonesia should exercise prudence,
remain vigilant and avoid demonstrations and other situations
that could turn violent.
Serious sectarian violence has occurred in the Moluccas, Central
Sulawesi and the island of Lombok. Violence broke out on the island
of Ambon in January 1999, spreading throughout the Moluccas and
eventually leading the Government of Indonesia to declare a "Civil
State of Emergency" on June 26, 2000. Violence in Central
Sulawesi culminated in the death of some 200 people in May 2000.
On January 17, 2000, anti-Christian violence broke out on the
resort island of Lombok, leading to looting and the burning of
a number of churches.
The cities of Jakarta, Medan, Bandung and Surabaya, among others,
have been struck by a number of bombings in recent months. The
most recent bombing campaign struck churches across Indonesia
on Christmas Eve 2000, leaving at least 16 dead and one hundred
injured. The Jakarta Stock Exchange, foreign diplomatic facilities
and Indonesian government buildings have also been targeted. There
are indications that this wave of bombings may continue.
In November 2000, in the central Java city of Solo, groups opposed
to U.S. policy undertook "sweeps," trying to identify
American citizens and order them to depart the country. There
also have been a number of acts of intimidation and violence directed
at American companies and U.S. diplomatic facilities. Security
officials have sometimes been unwilling or unable to intervene
in instances of unrest. Also, Indonesian authorities arbitrarily
detained an American tourist in Irian Jaya without formal charges
for two weeks and then deported him after a high ranking Indonesian
government official publicly accused him of espionage.
The Abu Sayyaf terrorist group has been active throughout the
islands in the extreme southwest Philippines, near Indonesia,
and continues to hold an American citizen kidnapped in the Philippines.
American citizens traveling to the border regions in Northern
Kalimantan and North Sulawesi, in particular the smaller islands
closer to the Philippines, are urged to review their security
procedures.
On September 6, 2000, a militia mob in West Timor attacked United
Nations offices, killing three UN international staff members.
The militias have specifically targeted foreigners. American citizens
are strongly advised to avoid all travel to West Timor.
The tourist destination of Bali has been largely free of the
disturbances seen in other parts of Indonesia. All tourist facilities
are operating normally, and to date foreigners have not been the
specific target of any group.
Travelers and residents should ensure that their passports and
important personal papers are ready for a quick departure from
the country should it become necessary for any reason. Americans
traveling in Indonesia should remember that much of the country,
including many tourist destinations, can be isolated and difficult
to reach by available transportation or communication links.
CRIME: Indonesia has a high crime rate. Credit card fraud
is a growing problem. Minor crimes, such as pickpocketing and
thefts, occur in popular tourist sites throughout the country.
Incidents of robbery are on the increase. One common criminal
technique is to puncture automobile tires so that the occupants
can be robbed while changing the tire. Thefts and robberies from
cars stopped at traffic lights have been reported on occasion.
American citizens are advised to keep car doors locked and windows
rolled up. Americans in Jakarta are also advised to engage a taxi
either from a major hotel queue or by calling a taxi company,
rather than hailing one on the street. Poachers and illegal loggers
operating in Indonesian parks and nature preserves have threatened
researchers, tourists and others in order to discourage foreign
presence in those areas.
Claiming to act in the name of religious or moral standards,
certain extremist groups have begun attacking nightspots and places
of entertainment. Most attacks have been aimed at property destruction
rather than injury to individuals. However, in November 2000 similar
groups attacked an international HIV/AIDS conference, injuring
25, including two foreigners. These groups have on occasion carried
out or threatened hunts for Americans and members of certain religious
groups to demand they leave the country.
A number of racially motivated incidents of harassment have recently
been reported. Persons of African descent, including American
citizens, may be subject to arbitrary stops and questioning by
both private and public security officials. There are several
credible reports that such incidents have led to harassment and
physical abuse. To minimize the risk of an incident with local
law enforcement authorities, Americans should carry photocopies
of their passports at all times. If stopped and detained, Americans
should attempt to comply with all instructions from law enforcement
officers, but also make it clear that they are American citizens
and that they wish to contact the U.S. Embassy. Any incidents
should be reported to the U.S. Embassy immediately.
Maritime piracy is a persistent and growing problem in Indonesian
waters, targeting both pleasure and commercial vessels. Pleasure
yachters are advised to review the current security situation
with their local agent when planning itineraries and to exercise
particular care when sailing in the Strait of Malacca between
Riau Province and Singapore and in the waters north of Sulawesi
and Kalimantan.
The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported
immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or
consulate. U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's
pamphlet, A
Safe Trip Abroad, for ways to promote a more trouble-free
journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs,
.
MEDICAL FACILITIES: The general level of sanitation and
health care in Indonesia is far below U.S. standards. Some level
of routine medical care is available in all major cities, although
most expatriates choose to leave the country for serious medical
procedures. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization
and/or medical evacuation to Singapore or Australia, the closest
locations with acceptable medical care, or the United States,
can cost thousands of dollars. Doctors and hospitals often expect
immediate cash payment for health services.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: U.S. medical insurance is not always
valid outside the United States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs
do not provide payment for medical services outside the United
States. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment
for health services. Uninsured travelers who require medical care
overseas may face extreme difficulties.
Please check with your own insurance company to confirm whether
your policy applies overseas, including provision for medical
evacuation, and for adequacy of coverage. Serious medical problems
requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United
States can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Please ascertain
whether payment will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor
or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses that you incur.
Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric
treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.
Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas
insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau
of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical
Information for Americans Traveling Abroad,
or autofax: (202) 647-3000.
OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations
and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international
travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX
(1-888-232-3299), or via CDC's
Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign
country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ
significantly from those in the United States. The information
below concerning Indonesia is provided for general reference only,
and it may not be totally accurate in a particular location or
circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation: Poor
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good to Fair
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair to Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Poor
In general, traffic in Indonesia is congested and undisciplined.
The number and variety of vehicles on the road far exceed the
capacity of existing roadways to handle the traffic. Road conditions
vary from good (in the case of toll roads and major city roads)
to dangerously poor.
There is generally a very low level of road safety awareness
in Indonesia, although this situation is improving. Buses and
trucks are often dangerously overloaded and tend to travel at
high speeds. Most roads outside major urban areas have a single
lane of traffic in each direction, making passing dangerous. Most
Indonesian drivers do not maintain safe following distance in
a manner familiar to U.S. drivers and tend to pass or maneuver
with considerably less margin for error than in the United States.
Although traffic in Indonesia moves on the left side of the road,
drivers tend to pass on both sides and may use the shoulder for
this purpose. It is common for drivers to create extra lanes regardless
of the lane markings painted on the roads. Throughout the country,
motor vehicles share the roads with other forms of transportation
such as bicycle pedicabs, horse and ox carts, and pushcarts.
Although Indonesia has a seat belt law requiring the use of seat
belts in front seats, most Indonesian automobiles do not have
seat belts in the rear passenger seats. The use of infant and
child car seats is not common, and it can be very difficult to
rent a car seat for temporary use. Helmets are required on motorcycles,
but this law is inconsistently enforced. Passengers rarely wear
helmets. Accidents on rented motorcycles constitute the largest
cause of death and serious accident among foreign visitors to
Bali.
The use of professional drivers is common among the expatriate
and upper class Indonesian communities. All car rental firms are
able to provide drivers for a nominal additional fee.
Driving at night can be extremely dangerous outside of major
urban areas. It is common to encounter drivers who refuse to use
their lights, and most rural roads are unlit. Residents in rural
areas may also sometimes congregate on road surfaces after dark,
and at least one American citizen was recently involved in a fatal
accident when his car hit a group lying on an unlit stretch of
road.
In the event of an accident, Indonesia law requires that both
drivers await the arrival of a police officer to report the accident.
Although Indonesian law requires third party insurance, most Indonesian
drivers are uninsured, and even when a vehicle is insured it is
common for insurance companies to refuse to pay damages. If a
pedestrian is injured, the driver of the vehicle is normally expected
to assist in transporting the injured party to the hospital. (Indonesian
ambulance services are unreliable.) In cases of traffic accidents
resulting in death, it is not uncommon for bystanders to attack
the driver perceived to be responsible. This is more common in
rural areas and in accidents involving Indonesian drivers, but
expatriate drivers have occasionally been attacked by crowds at
the scene of an accident. When an accident occurs outside of a
major city, it may be advisable to drive to the nearest police
station before stopping.
For
additional general information about road safety, including links
to foreign government sites, please see the Department of
State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html.
For specific information concerning Indonesian driving permits,
vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, please contact
the Indonesian national tourist organization via the Internet
at http://www.indonesia-tourism.com. Please see also road safety
information from the
U.S. Embassy home page at http://www.usembassyjakarta.org.
AVIATION OVERSIGHT: In 1997, the U.S. Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Indonesia's
civil aviation authority as Category 1 - in compliance with international
aviation safety standards for oversight of Indonesia's air carrier
operations.
For further information, travelers may contact the Department
of Transportation within the U.S. at telephone 1-800-322-7873,
or visit the
FAA's Internet web site at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa. The
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign
air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services.
For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers,
travelers may contact the DOD at telephone (618) 229-4801.
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Indonesia's customs authorities may
enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into
or export from Indonesia of personal and commercial use items
such as prescription medicines and Chinese-language material or
videotapes. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Indonesia
in Washington, D.C. at telephone (202) 775-5200, or one of Indonesia's
consulates in the United States, for specific information regarding
customs requirements. Enforcement of customs regulations is not
always consistent or transparent.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S.
citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which
sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States
and do not afford the same protections available to the individual
under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe
than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating
the laws of Indonesia, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested,
or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in
illegal drugs in Indonesia are strict, and convicted offenders
can expect severe jail sentences and fines. The death sentence
can be handed down in cases of drug trafficking, and one U.S.
citizen was recently given a life sentence for trafficking.
CONSULAR ACCESS: U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry
a copy of their U.S. passports with them at all times, so that,
if questioned by local officials, proof of identity and U.S. citizenship
are readily available. When U.S. citizens are arrested or detained,
formal notification of the arrest is normally provided to the
U.S. Embassy in Jakarta in writing, a process that can take several
weeks. If detained, U.S. citizens are encouraged to attempt to
telephone the nearest U.S. consular office.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: U.S. citizens involved in commercial
or property matters should be aware that the business environment
is complex. In many cases, trade complaints are difficult to resolve.
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS: Indonesia is located in an area
of high seismic activity. Although the probability of a major
earthquake occurring during an individual trip is remote, earthquakes
can and will continue to happen. General information about natural
disaster preparedness is available via the Internet from the
U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at http://www.fema.gov/.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For
information on international adoption of children or international
parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site
at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or telephone
(202) 736-7000.
REGISTRATION AND EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living in
or visiting Indonesia are encouraged to register at the U.S. Embassy
or Consulate where they may obtain updated information on travel
and security within the country.
The
U.S. Embassy is located in Jakarta at Medan Merdeka Selatan
5; telephone:(62)(21)3435-9000; fax (62)(21)3435-9922. The Embassy's
web site is located at http://www.usembassyjakarta.org. The
consular section can be reached by e-mail at jakconsul@state.gov.
The U.S. Consulate
General is in Surabaya at Jalan Raya Dr., Sutomo 33; telephone:
(62)(31) 567-2287/8; fax (62)(31)567-4492;e-mail consularsuraba@state.gov.
There is a Consular Agency
in Bali at Jalan Hayam Wuruk 188, Denpasar, Bali; telephone:
(62)(361)233-605; fax (62)(31) 222-426; e-mail amcobali@indo.net.id.
The U.S. Consulate in Medan closed in May 1996. American citizens
needing assistance in Sumatra should contact the U.S. Embassy
in Jakarta.
* * *
This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated April 27,
2001 to include the August 10, 2001 Travel Warning.
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