DFAT issues travel warning for parts of Indonesia due to anti-Australian demonstrations

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) has issued a travel warning for parts of Indonesia where there are demonstrations against Australia’s decision to recognise West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

In the recent weeks, demonstrators have been holding regular protests near the Australian Embassy in Jakarta and the Australian Consulate-General in Surabaya. Travellers have been advised to avoid demonstrations in Jakarta and Surabaya following Australia’s shift in Middle East policy.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison had announced Australia’s consequential shift in Middle East policy. He however added that the Australian Embassy in Israel will remain in Tel Aviv until Palestine and Israel have reached a peace settlement.

DFAT did not increase its overall warning level for Indonesia. The warning level remains at ‘exercise a high degree of caution’ in regard to the country as a whole. However, there is a higher warning level for Central Sulawesi and Papua provinces for matters unrelated to the current demonstrations.

Those who choose to ignore the DFAT’s warnings will put their personal safety at risk and have problems with travel insurance providers.

The peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any moment. Aussie travellers should exercise a high degree of caution around Australian Embassy in Jakarta and the Australian Consulate-General in Surabaya as well as in Bali and Makassar where other Australian Consulates-General are located.

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