Travellers are advised against all travel to Central Sulawesi Province and Maluku Province, especially Ambon. Both provinces have been subject to outbreaks of internal violence and the security situation continues to remain unsettled.

Travellers are advised to exercise caution when travelling to Aceh, which is emerging from a long-running internal conflict. Visitors should exercise particular caution when travelling to remote areas, and should also monitor all available information on the local situation.

There remains a high threat from terrorism in Indonesia. Foreigners and locations and buildings frequented by foreigners are particularly attractive potential targets to terrorists. Terrorists have shown in previous, recent attacks that they have the means and the motivation to carry out successful attacks.

Travellers should take sensible precautions for their personal safety and avoid large crowds, political gatherings and demonstrations.

Those visiting or resident in Indonesia should exercise caution at all times. Travellers are strongly advised to ensure that they are comfortable with, and regularly review their own and their family’s security arrangements.

Developments in Iraq and on the Middle East Peace Process do affect Indonesia. Travellers should follow news reports and be alert to developments, which might trigger public disturbances. Travellers should take sensible precautions for their personal safety and avoid large crowds, political gatherings and demonstrations.

Indonesia is located in an active earthquake zone, and major earthquakes can occur at any time. In 2007 there have been a number of major earthquakes, most recently on 12 and 13 September 2007.

Travellers should be aware of concerns about the safety of Indonesian airlines. The EU announced that all Indonesian airlines, including the national carrier Garuda are banned from entering the EU. Travellers should use other airlines if possible.

Outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Indonesia have led to over 90 reported human fatalities. The last fatality was in 2008. As a precaution, travellers should avoid live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where they may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

Poor sanitation and eating contaminated food can increase the risk of cholera, diphtheria, typhoid and other diseases. Travellers should not drink tap water or water that is not bottled and sealed. Wherever possible, bottled water should be bought from reputable sources.

Anthrax is endemic in East Nusa Tengarra province in Indonesia. It is an acute infection that usually only affects livestock, but it can be transmitted to humans who handle or eat infected animals. On 30 October 2007, three villages in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, were closed to outsiders after a number of people fell ill from eating anthrax-infected buffalo meat.

On 28 October 2007, an outbreak of leprosy was reported in East Flores regency, East Nusa Tenggara. Health officials said that poor sanitation, malnutrition and the water shortage in the area caused the disease.

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