ASIA
Indonesia
and East Timor, June 30, 2000 – Indonesia is an independent republic
consisting of more than 13,500 islands spread over 3,000 miles. Recently
political activity, demonstrations, and localized hooliganism in Jakarta
have increased and are expected to continue throughout the lead-up to
and during the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) session, which will
take place this August. In October 1999, Indonesia welcomed its first
democratically elected government but the government's widespread support
led to a general decrease in the level of civil unrest. Unrest in various
regions of Indonesia continues; the Government of Indonesia has restricted
the travel of U.S. and other foreign government officials to the regions
discussed below.
Violence erupted throughout East Timor after the August 30, 1999, United Nations-sponsored ballot when that province voted for independence from Indonesia. Although stability has largely returned to the territory following the arrival of international forces – it is currently under the authority of the United Nations' Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) – crime and lawlessness remain a major problem. 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.
American citizens are urged to avoid and depart from the Maluku Islands. In January 1999 serious communal violence broke out on the island of Ambon and has spread throughout the Malukus. On June 26, 2000, the Government of Indonesia declared a "Civil State of Emergency." Inflammatory statements by community leaders have sparked tension between Moslem and Christian communities. On January 17, 2000, anti-Christian violence broke out on the resort island of Lombok, about 25 miles from the island of Bali. Violent demonstrations of short-lived duration occurred in Bali in October 1999. Political changes have given new impetus to aspirations for independence in Aceh and Papua (formerly known as Irian Jaya). Violence has targeted American companies with growing frequency.
Americans should remember that much of Indonesia, including many tourist destinations, is isolated and difficult to reach by available transportation or communication links. Travelers may find it difficult to depart quickly. Demonstrations and other violence can occur without warning. Keep passports and important personal papers in order in case it becomes necessary to leave the country quickly. Americans should register with the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta (tel: 62-21-344-2211), the U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya (tel: 62-31-568-2287), or the U.S. Consular Agency in Bali (tel: 62-361-233-605). Although a U.S. liaison office will open in East Timor in the coming months, there is currently no official U.S. presence there.
South
Korea, July 20, 2000 – The U.S. Embassy in Seoul advises U.S.
citizens traveling or residing in South Korea that there have been several
random attacks in recent weeks involving Americans, including the stabbing
death of a U.S. Army medical doctor, in the Itaewon district of Seoul.
American citizens visiting the Itaewon district and market areas in Korea
should stay alert, keep a low profile, avoid large crowds, travel in groups
to the extent possible, avoid confrontations with vendors, and report
suspicious activities to the police. U.S. citizens planning to visit South
Korea are advised to consult the Department of State's Consular Information
Sheet (CIS) for South Korea before commencing travel. The CIS is available
at any U.S. embassy or U.S. consulate abroad and through the U.S. Department
of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet homepage. U.S. citizens
planning to visit South Korea are encouraged to visit the Consular Section
of the U.S. Embassy in Seoul to register and obtain the most current travel
and security information. The U.S.
Embassy is located at 82 Sejong-Ro, Chongro-Ku, Seoul, telephone:
(82-2) 738-4114 and fax: (82-2) 738-8845.
For
questions and comments about Worldtravelcenter.comSM, its World
Travel Health newsletter, or its travel companion jetStream,
contact Miriam
Meijer:
miriam@worldtravelcenter.com
Phone: 1-800-234-1862
Feature Articles
Traveling
in a World
with Standards
HIV is
a World Fact
Lightning
Protection:
New Myths & Old Realities
jetStream
Travel Stories
Travel
Insurance Primer
GlobalNotes
Worldwide
Asia
Africa
Europe
Oceania
Middle
East
Fun and Games
Travel
Health & Safety Quiz
