ASIA
Indonesia, January 19, 2000-- American citizens traveling to Indonesia should exercise caution. This Public Announcement discusses some of the more prominent areas of concern in Indonesia, but all American citizens traveling in Indonesia should be aware of their surroundings and use common sense to avoid situations and locations that could be inherently dangerous.
Indonesia welcomed its first democratically elected government in October, 1999, ending an extended period of political uncertainty. The new government has widespread support, which has led to a general decrease in the level of civil unrest. At the same time, however, unrest in various regions of Indonesia continues, and security forces have had some difficulties maintaining law and order.
East Timor voted for independence from Indonesia in an August 30, 1999 referendum and is currently under the authority of the United Nations' Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET). UNTAET was established by a unanimous vote of the UN Security Council on October 25, 1999 for the purpose of rebuilding East Timor and helping to establish a new government. Violence erupted throughout East Timor after the August 30, 1999, United Nations-sponsored ballot in that province. Although stability has returned to the territory following the arrival of international forces, American citizens are strongly encouraged to exercise caution in East Timor, particularly in areas along the border between East and West Timor.
The western half of the island has been the scene of several physical assaults on foreigners by disgruntled pro-integration Timorese militia forces. American citizens are encouraged to defer non-emergency travel to West Timor, especially in areas where East Timorese refugees are concentrated.
In the Molucca Islands, serious communal violence broke out on the island of Ambon in January 1999 and has now spread throughout this island group. American citizens are urged to avoid all travel to the Moluccas and to depart immediately if they are already there. Although anti-Christian sentiment is not widespread in Indonesia, inflammatory statements by some community leaders, as well as violence in the Moluccas, have sparked some tension between Moslem and Christian communities elsewhere in Indonesia.
On January 17, 2000, anti-Christian violence broke out on the resort island of Lombok, leading to looting and the burning of a number of churches. American citizens should avoid travel to Lombok, and if there, should depart as soon as possible. Lombok is about 25 miles from the island of Bali.
Political changes have given new impetus to aspirations for independence in Aceh and Papua (formerly known as Irian Jaya). Violent incidents continue to occur in Aceh, and American citizens are strongly urged to defer all travel to that province. Past violence has sometimes targeted American companies. American citizens resident in Aceh should consider departing. In Papua, violence has been less frequent. American citizens are nonetheless encouraged to evaluate the security situation carefully when traveling to that province.
Demonstrations in Bali have been infrequent and have not been directed at American citizens. Violent demonstrations of short-lived duration occurred in October, 1999, but did not target foreigners or the major tourist areas. Conditions in Bali quickly returned to normal.
Americans should remember that many parts of Indonesia, including many tourist destinations, can be isolated and difficult to reach by available transportation or communication links. In cases of unrest, medical emergency or logistical problems, travelers may find it difficult to depart quickly.
Travelers and residents should ensure that passports and important personal papers are in order in the event that it becomes necessary to leave the country quickly. Because the situation is uncertain and new outbreaks of violence are possible, American citizens are advised to consult the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta and the U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya for the most recent security information and generally to exercise caution.
Nepal, February 11, 2000-- On February 11, the American Embassy in Kathmandu issued a message with the following information to American citizens in Nepal:
February 13 will mark the fourth anniversary of the start of the Maoist insurgency in Nepal. The United States Embassy in Kathmandu has information indicating that Maoists will heighten their activities throughout Nepal between February 12 and February 19. Additionally, there is information indicating that the Maoists intend to target Nepali government facilities and officials, large businesses, and the offices of foreign organizations in the Kathmandu Valley. No specific targets are known.
In light of this information, American citizens and American-affiliated organizations and businesses in Nepal are reminded to review their security practices and to contact the local police or the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu if they observe any unusual activity. American citizens are urged to register at the U.S. Embassy, where they can obtain updated information on the security situation in Nepal.
Maps courtesy of 4maps.com.
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