
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL ADVISORY - Indonesia
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INDONESIA - CAUTION
 January 14, 1992

Summary:  The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to exercise
caution when traveling to Aceh, Irian-Jaya, and East Timor
provinces.  None of these areas are usual tourist destinations and
all are far removed from the major Indonesian tourist attractions.
End summary.

Aceh Province:  Located at the extreme northern tip of the island
of Sumatra, Aceh has been the site of limited civil unrest which has
led to isolated violence. Neither private Americans nor foreign
businesses were targeted for violence or involved in any incidents
in Aceh.  The Indonesian government has lifted local curfews and
travel restrictions.  Nevertheless, visitors are advised to exercise
caution when traveling in Aceh, particularly at night or in rural
areas.

Irian-Jaya Province:  This is the western half of the island of New
Guinea, and the easternmost province of Indonesia.  Foreigners
wishing to visit Irian-Jaya must be in possession of a travel letter
(Surat Keterangan Jalan) issued by competent Indonesian police
authorities.  U.S. citizens arriving in Biak, an international port
of entry, can obtain Surat Jalans (the travel letters), from the
police after arrival.  Foreigners inquiring from abroad, or in
Jakarta, can address inquiries to the police directorate for
foreigner's affairs (DITPOA), Mabes Polri, Jalan Trunojoyo 3,
Jakarta Selatan.  In addition, some areas, including the border area
with Papua New Guinea, are restricted by the government of
Indonesia.  All government restrictions, and especially border
restrictions, should be carefully followed.  In 1990, several
foreigners, including one American, were kidnapped by OPM guerrillas
on the Papua New Guinea side of the border.  These guerrillas,
although small in number, are active on both sides of the border.

East Timor:  This province, located 300 miles north of Australia,
has experienced periodic unrest since 1975.  In November 1991, a
number of demonstrators were killed when Indonesian security units
reacted forcibly to a political demonstration;  two U.S. journalists
at that demonstration were injured. Americans have not been the
target of any violence, but U.S. citizens traveling in East Timor
should be aware of the potential for civil disturbances.

U.S. citizen travelers to Aceh, Irian-Jaya, and East Timor are
advised to contact the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, at Medan Merdeka
Selatan 5, Telephone 360-360, Extension 2050, to register their
presence and receive current travel information.  Alternatively,
those traveling to Aceh may contact the U.S. Consulate General in
Medan, at Jalan Imam Bonjol 13, Telephone 322-200.

 No. 92-005

This replaces the advisory dated March 13, 1991, and is issued to
reflect the potential for civil unrest in East Timor and the
improved security situation in Aceh province.


