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Wednesday, April 26, 2006

 

Travel Advisories

Hardly a week goes by without some 'helpful' arm of some 'friendly' government advising that being in Indonesia is akin to being in a warzone. We are told to keep away from crowded venues which is kinda difficult in a city of 17 million people. Maybe visit a local library???

We are told that people out there are going to kidnap us, to attack us on footbridges, whatever, yet what are we supposed to do? Sit at home and watch Indonesia Idol? Puh-leese...

But while Indonesia is flagged on the Foreign Commonwealth Office site as beeing dangerous and the risk of terrorist activity is high, I'm trying to open the page as I type but on my broadband access it is painfully slow. Indeed here is their summary

SUMMARY
We advise against all travel to Aceh, except for those involved in post-tsunami humanitarian and reconstruction work or in the Aceh Monitoring Mission. Aceh remains affected by long-running internal conflict. You should exercise caution when travelling to remote areas.
We advise against all travel to Maluku Province, especially Ambon which is experiencing civil unrest. We also advise against all travel to Central Sulawesi Province.
On 12 April 2006, the Indonesian Centre for Vulcanology raised the alert status for the Mt. Merapi Volcano in Central Java, warning that volcanic activity has increased and that an eruption might be imminent. Indonesian authorities are preparing to evacuate the area surrounding the volcano. You should monitor all available information on the situation, and follow local advice. For further information, you should visit the
Indonesian Centre for Vulcanology's website.
There remains a high threat from terrorism in Indonesia. We continue to receive reports that terrorists in Indonesia are planning further attacks on Westerners and Western interests. Foreigners and locations and buildings frequented by foreigners are particularly attractive potential targets to terrorists. If you are visiting, or are resident in Indonesia you should exercise caution at all times. We strongly advise you to ensure that you are comfortable with, and regularly review your own and your family’s security arrangements.
Messages encouraging attacks against western targets in Indonesia, including but not limited to foreign Embassies in Jakarta have appeared on extremist websites.
Terrorists have shown in previous attacks, like the attacks in Bali in October 2005 and October 2002, and those in Jakarta on the Australian Embassy in September 2004 and the Marriott Hotel in August 2003, that they have the means and the motivation to carry out successful attacks.
Outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Indonesia have resulted in a number of human fatalities. As a precaution, you should avoid live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked. For further information see Health section below and also read the FCO’s
Avian and Pandemic Influenza Factsheet.
Penalties for illegal drug importation and use are severe and can include the death penalty.
The main types of incident for which British nationals require consular assistance in Indonesia are: theft/ loss of passport and belongings; overstaying visas; drug possession; and deaths, mostly from natural causes, watersports and road accidents. The majority of consular cases occur in Jakarta and Bali.
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. Please see:
Travel Insurance.

Egypt however isn't for some reason flagged. We are warned against visiting Central Sulawesi where a domestic power struggle is violent but not aimed at foreigners which is no different, for us, to the recent disturbances in Egypt between the Copts and Muslims. But what does our government warn us about?

SUMMARY
There is a high threat from terrorism in Egypt. Attacks can be indiscriminate and against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
On 26 April 2006, a suicide bomber attacked the Multinational Force and Observers base in north Sinai. We are not aware of any casualties. We are also aware of reports of a second suicide attack in north Sinai.
On 24 April 2006, there were three explosions at three separate locations in the resort town of Dahab in the Sinai Peninsula, resulting in a number of deaths and injuries. At least two British nationals were injured in these attacks.
On 23 July 2005, three bombs exploded in Sharm al-Sheikh in the Sinai Peninsula. According to the Egyptian authorities 63 people were killed and 124 injured. 11 British nationals were amongst the fatalities.
Developments in the region may trigger public unrest. You should take care to avoid demonstrations, which can turn hostile, and be particularly vigilant in public places.
Outbreaks of Avian Influenza (bird Flu) in Egypt have resulted in four human fatalities. As a precaution, you should avoid live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked. For further information see Avian Influenza section below and also read the FCO’s
Avian and Pandemic Influenza Factsheet.
Approximately 838,000 British nationals visited Egypt in 2005, mainly as tourists. Most visits are trouble-free. Crime rate is low but you should safeguard valuables including passports and money.
Egyptian society is conservative and women should dress modestly.
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. Please see
Travel Insurance.

Why the discrepancy I wonder? Is it just carelessness or is it politics? Egypt after all with it's inbred pseudo dictatorship is a key ally in the war against terror while Indonesia is a fledging democracy which is also a key ally...or is it? Makes you wonder.

Or perhaps I have too much time on my hands and there's no flags on the Egypt page because it would spoil the holidays of nearly 1 million Brits...and Indonesia is just too far to pop over for a short break.

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