An earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale occurred off West Sumatra Province, 48km (30 miles) offshore from the city of Padang on 30 September 2009.  Early reports indicated that there have been several hundred casualties. There has been substantial damage to infrastructure including government buildings, hotels, hospitals and telephone links. Padang Airport is open but there is likely to be substantial disruption to scheduled services for some time. Travellers are advised to check the latest media reporting before travelling to the Padang area, and to be wary of the risk from aftershocks and debris falling from damaged buildings. On 1 October 2009, an earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale occurred in Jambi Province. Early reports indicate that the city of Jambi has not been badly affected.

There is a high threat from terrorism throughout Indonesia. Terrorist groups continue to plan attacks and have the capacity and intent to carry out these attacks at any time and anywhere in the country. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. On 17 July 2009, suicide bombers carried out attacks against the Ritz Carlton and Marriott Hotels in Jakarta. Seven people were killed and 55 injured. Terrorist attacks in Bali in October 2005 and October 2002 also killed and injured a number of British nationals.

Travellers are advised to exercise caution when travelling to Aceh, Central Sulawesi Province (especially Palu, Poso and Tentena), Maluku Province (especially Ambon) and Papua (including Papua province and West Papua Province). Since 11 July 2009, at least three people have been killed and a number injured in armed attacks on vehicles travelling between Timika and Tembagapura towns in Papua. Travellers should also be alert to the potential for politically motivated violence.

With the exception of Garuda Airlines, Mandala Airlines, Airfast and Ekspres Transportasi Antarbenua (operating as PremiAir), all Indonesian airlines are refused permission to operate services to the EU because Indonesia is unable to ensure that other airlines meet international safety standards. Travellers should avoid flying with Indonesian carriers subject to the EU operating ban.

Whilst the overall political situation is stable, developments elsewhere, including the Middle East, resonate in Indonesia. You should follow news reports and be alert to any developments, which might trigger public protests or unrest. You should avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings of people. If you become aware of any nearby violence you should leave the area immediately.

Indonesia sits along a volatile seismic strip called the 'Ring of Fire' and volcanic eruptions, earthquakes occur regularly and tsunamis are possible. On 30 September 2009, an earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale was reported off the coast of the island of Sumatra.

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

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice.

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel