Southeast Asia
Indonesia,
October 4, 1999-- The US State Department urges all US citizens to defer
non-emergency travel to Indonesia, and states that those who do travel to
Indonesia should exercise extreme caution. In the capital city of Jakarta
and on all the major islands, popular demonstrations against the current
leadership are growing in frequency. Although most demonstrations have been
peaceful, some protestors have been injured or killed in recent confrontations
with police in Jakarta. Demonstrations can be spontaneous and have the potential
to turn violent, and in some areas violence has been directed at American
businesses. The newly elected national legislature, which convened October
1, will select a new president, consider ratification of the East Timor
vote for independence and debate a number of other contentious issues that
could be the catalyst for further demonstrations. In Jakarta, regular protests
are expected, and traffic conditions will be extremely unpredictable, making
it sometimes difficult to conduct business. In addition, the Indonesian
government will be in caretaker status for a portion of this time, and it
will be difficult or impossible to arrange meetings with many government
officials. American citizens in Jakarta and throughout Indonesia are urged
to be aware of their surroundings, use common sense, and avoid demonstrations.
While a multi-national force has begun deployment and security has improved
in Dili, the capital of East Timor, hostile militias remain active and have
expressed a willingness to attack foreigners. In East Kalimantan, Aceh,
and Irian Jaya, violent incidents sometimes targeting American companies
continue to occur. American citizens are strongly urged to defer all travel
to these areas.
Maps courtesy of ITA's
Quick Maps used with permission.
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