The Advertiser - Sunday Mail [Australia], 05 September 2004
Jakarta travel warning
AUSTRALIANS have been reminded of the dangers of travelling to Indonesia after US
authorities warned their citizens to avoid Western hotels because of the risk of
terrorist attacks.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade reviewed and reissued yesterday the
travel advice for Australians heading to Indonesia, again warning people to defer
non-essential travel.
"Those Australians in Indonesia who are concerned for their safety should consider
departing," DFAT said.
"We continue to receive reports that terrorists in the region are planning attacks
against a range of targets, including places frequented by foreigners."
A DFAT spokeswoman said the advisory was reissued in response to the US advice
warning its government travellers to avoid identifiably Western hotels.
"In light of this advice, Australian government officials have also been advised to avoid
such hotels," DFAT said. "All Australians should take note of this advice."
The warning comes as Australia's embassy in Jakarta was forced to move the venue
for its annual charity ball following the fresh terrorism warnings.
Australian officials in Jakarta decided to move the ball from the JW Marriott Hotel to
the heavily-fortified Australian embassy. The hotel has been targeted before and a
suicide bomb in August killed 12 people.
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