FCO Travel Advice for - Indonesia

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  • Balinese New Year, known as Nyepi, will take place on Tuesday 12 March 2013. Local custom requires that all people in Bali observe a day of silence from 6am on Tuesday, 12 March 2013 until 6am Wednesday, 13 March 2013. People are obliged to observe the day of silence by staying indoors, turning off lights, and making no noise. Ngurah Rai International Airport will be closed for the entire day, however, emergency services and hospitals are allowed to operate.

  • There is widespread flooding in Jakarta, which could last until mid-February. Availability of emergency and medical care, telecommunications, transport and food and water supplies may be limited. Be alert to the risk of further flash flooding or a rapid rise in flood waters.

  • Keep a stock of food and bottled water, monitor local media and follow the advice of the local authorities. Walking and driving in flooded areas can be dangerous due to uncovered drainage ditches that are covered by water. There is a higher risk of waterborne diseases in flooded areas.

  • Demonstrations could take place at short notice around the country. You should avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings of people. See Political situation.

  • There is a high threat from terrorism. Terrorist groups continue to plan attacks and have the capacity and intent to carry out these attacks at anytime and anywhere in the country. You should be particularly vigilant during holiday periods such as Easter, Christmas, Nyepi (Balinese New Year) and Independence Day (17 August). See Terrorism.

  • You should exercise caution when travelling to Aceh, Central Sulawesi Province (especially Palu, Poso and Tentena), Maluku Province (especially Ambon), Papua and West Papua Provinc.

  • With the exception of Garuda Airlines, Mandala Airlines, Airfast and Ekspres Transportasi Antarbenua (operating as PremiAir) and Indonesia Air Asia, all other Indonesian passenger airlines are refused permission to operate services to the EU because of safety concerns. See Air travel.

  • Indonesia sits along a volatile seismic strip called the 'Ring of Fire'. Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur regularly and tsunamis are possible. See Natural Disasters.

  • Possession, trafficking and manufacture of drugs are serious offences in Indonesia. Some offences carry the death penalty. Don't get involved. See Local Laws and Customs.

  • Around 190,000 British nationals visit Indonesia every year. Most visits are trouble free. See Consular assistance statistics.

  • Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.
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