From: owner-travel-advisories Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Indonesia Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Date: Thu, 5 Feb 1998 14:11:16 GMT Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:1605 Path: world!daemon Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Message-ID: <199802050913_MC2-320C-B8EB@compuserve.com> Content-Disposition: inline Precedence: bulk Sender: "U.S. Department of State" <76702.1202@compuserve.com> Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Mime-Version: 1.0 Distribution: wstd Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 143 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Indonesia ============================================================ Indonesia - Public Announcement February 4, 1998 On Wednesday, February 4, the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta issued the following message to Americans in Indonesia: "Recent small-scale disturbances and looting in some parts of the country prompt the reminder that, due to the possibility of increased tension and criminal activity arising from economic uncertainty in Indonesia, American citizens may wish to exercise prudence and common sense, and to avoid demonstrations and other situations that could turn violent. American citizens are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, the U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya, or the U.S. Consular Agency in Bali. Updated information may be accessed through the U.S. Embassy's home page at http://www.usembassyjakarta.org." For additional information on travel to Indonesia, please consult the Department of State's latest Consular Information Sheet on Indonesia. This Public Announcement replaces the Public Announcement issued January 9, 1998 and expires on March 4, 1998. Indonesia - Consular Information Sheet December 10, 1997 Country Description: Indonesia is an independent republic consisting of more than 13,500 islands spread over 3,000 miles. Its economy is developing and tourist services are plentiful in the major tourist sites. Entry Requirements: For information about entry requirements, travelers may contact the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, 2020 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036, telephone (202) 775-5200, Internet address http://www.kbri.org. Areas of Instability: Periodically, limited civil unrest resulting in violence has occurred in the province of Aceh, located in the far northern tip of Sumatra, and in the province of East Timor, located 300 miles north of Australia. In January 1996, a group of foreigners was taken hostage in the remote province of Irian Jaya. The U.S. Embassy recommends that persons traveling to the province stay in larger towns and avoid traveling to remote villages, and that they contact the U.S. Embassy in advance of any travel. Travelers may also need permits from police authorities to visit certain regions in Irian Jaya province. Although tensions have calmed since the civil disturbances in March and April 1996, travelers should be aware that the U.S. Embassy has unconfirmed information that the Free Papua Movement (OPM) may be targeting U.S. citizens or U.S. companies in Irian Jaya Province for hostage taking or for sabotage. The Department continues to receive reports of ethnic tensions in West Kalimantan, where hundreds of people were killed and thousands displaced following fighting in early 1997. Although U.S. citizens have not been targeted, the Department recommends that travelers to this region exercise caution. Medical Facilities: The general level of sanitation and health care is below U.S. expectations. Adequate routine medical care is available in all major cities. The U.S. Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide payment of medical services outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage including provision for medical evacuation may be useful. Information on medical emergencies abroad is provided in the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs' brochure, "Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad," available via our home page and autofax service. Additional information on health matters may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through its international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559, via the CDC autofax service at (404) 332-4565, or via the CDC home page on the Internet at http://www.cdc.gov/. Information on Crime: The crime rate in Jakarta is moderate. Minor crimes, such as pickpocketing and thefts, occur in popular tourist sites throughout the country. Incidents of carjackings and robbery have been reported. Lost or stolen passports should be reported to the local police and the U.S. Embassy or nearest consulate. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad." It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402 or via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs. 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 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 law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Criminal penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect severe jail sentences and fines. Road Safety: Visitors are reminded that all traffic operates on the left side of the road, and that most vehicles use right-hand drive. Roads in major cities and toll roads are good. Roads become narrower and more poorly maintained in rural areas and remote regions. Driving at night outside major cities can be particularly hazardous. Aviation Oversight: As a result of its October 1997 reassessment, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found the Government of Indonesia Civil Aviation Authority to be 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 at 1-800-322-7873 or visit the FAA home page at http://www.faa.gov/faahome.htm. Registration and Embassy Location: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy or consulate 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)344-2211; fax (62) (21) 386-2259. The Embassy's Internet address is http://www.usembassyjakarta.org/. The U.S. Consulate General is in Surabaya at Jalan Raya Dr. Sutomo 33; telephone: (62)(31)568-2287/8; fax (62)(31)567-4492. There is a consular agent in Bali at Jalan Hayam Wuruk 188, Denpasar, Bali; telephone: (62)(361)233-605. The U.S. consulate in Medan closed in May 1996. No. 97-164 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated August 19, 1997, updating the section on "Aviation Oversight." ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet and BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets. 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