LAKSAMANA.Net, May 18, 2005 06:27 PM
Possible suicide bombings targeting foreigners in Jakarta
Laksamana.Net - The Australian government on Wednesday (18/5/05) said it had
received information from Indonesian police warning of possible suicide bombings
targeting foreigners in Jakarta.
A statement issued by the Australian Foreign Affairs Ministry said the warning from
the Jakarta Police was received on Tuesday.
"On 17 May 2005, the Jakarta Metropolitan Police (POLRI) issued a warning about
possible further suicide bombings in Jakarta. The warning identifies as potential
targets a number of places frequented by foreigners, in particular embassies,
international schools, office buildings and shopping malls," said the statement.
"No timeframe is indicated in the POLRI warning, but we assess that attacks could
occur at any time. In addition, we continue to receive reports that terrorists in the
region are planning attacks against a range of targets," it said.
"The POLRI warning underlines that these attacks could occur at any time, anywhere
in Indonesia and could be directed against any locations known to be frequented by
foreigners. The bomb attack outside the Australian Embassy on 9 September 2004
underscores the ongoing terrorist threat to Australians in Indonesia."
The statement said Australians are advised to defer non-essential travel to Indonesia,
including the resort island of Bali. "Australians in Indonesia who are concerned for
their safety should consider departing. Australians who consider their presence in
Indonesia to be essential should exercise extreme caution," it said.
"We continue to receive reports that terrorists may be planning attacks against
foreigners involved in the tsunami relief effort in Aceh and other parts of northern
Sumatra. In view of these security concerns Australians should not travel to Banda
Aceh or other parts of Aceh to participate in humanitarian relief efforts unless under
the auspices of a recognized aid organization that has facilities in place to
accommodate and feed staff and a security plan approved by Indonesian authorities to
ensure the safety and security of its personnel," said the statement.
It said that from March 26, all foreigners wishing to travel to Aceh will require written
permission to do so prior to entry. "In view of the terrorist threat information,
Australians in northern Sumatra should ensure they have a robust security plan in
place. We advise Australians not associated with recognized aid organizations and
who are not covered by an approved security plan to depart in the interests of their
own safety. All Australians in Sumatra and Aceh should register with the Australian
Embassy via the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on-line registration service."
Police Unaware of Warning
Jakarta Police spokesman Tjiptono on Wednesday said he was unaware that his
office had passed on any warnings about suicide bombings to Australia.
He said he had checked the matter with Jakarta Police chief Inspector General
Firman Gani, who told him the police had not issued the warning.
"Jakarta is very safe. The city police are still investigating the source of the
information on the suicide bombing threat," he was quoted as saying by detikcom
online news portal.
"The Jakarta Police's intelligence division is continuing to trace all information about
the suicide bombing threat in Jakarta, because the news has of course been very
disturbing to the Jakarta public," he said.
Tjiptono said he had contacted the Australian Embassy to ask about the warning.
"But they replied that they were waiting for information from the city police
personally," he said.
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