Just wondering if anyone out there knows when the Indonesian
Elections are ? I've just talked to some people who've come
back from Bali in the last two weeks and did not feel that
safe , due to elections rioting on Kuta Beach etc ... one
couple have been there nine times , and are the backpacker
type , the other at the other end of the spectrum staying in
the classy tourist resorts , and said they felt much safer
on Lombok than Bali ... Does anyone know the actual dates of
the elections and what safety risks for tourists there might
be leading up to / after the elections and for how long ? My
friend and I are planning on being there from July 22nd for
a week , and plan to hang out in Kuta , Ubud and do a bit of
snorkelling up north .Any life - preserving advice out there
would be gratefully receiv
[There are 2 posts - the latest was added on Tue 18 May, 22:42]
Use the form at the end of this page to add your own post.
Topics
| Thorn Tree
| Home
Below is a warning placed on the department of foreign
affairs website. Address is in the body of the message at
the bottom.
Basically - keep your wits about you and you will be fine...
"Australians travelling to Indonesia should be aware that
elections for the Indonesia national and provincial
parliaments will be held on 7 June 1999. The elections will
be preceded by a formal campaign period from 19 May to 5
June. Some campaign activities such as public rallies and
cavalcades through major streets have already begun in many
cities and towns. There is a possibility of disturbances
stemming from the heightened level of political activity in
the lead-up to and following the 7 June election.
Travellers to Indonesia, as well as resident Australians,
are advised to keep themselves well informed of
developments that might affect their safety and maintain a
high level of personal security awareness and vigilance in
light of possible threats to public order. The incidence of
robbery and street crime generally is on the increase.
Australians are strongly advised to avoid large gatherings
or demonstrations. Large public events such as political
rallies can give rise to violence with little or no warning.
Due to continuing tensions in East Timor, including
intermittent acts of violence and political demonstrations,
Australian citizens are advised to defer non-essential
travel to East Timor. Australian citizens in-country with
no compelling business to conduct are strongly recommended
to bring forward their plans for departure.
Some disturbances took place in the Kuta district of Bali
on 29 April and 2 May involving Balinese residents of the
area and other Indonesian citizens engaged in a dispute
over the right to trade in particular areas. These were
localised and were not directed against foreigners.
Australian tourists in Bali should nonetheless keep
themselves informed of developments in Indonesia including
in relation to the election and observe the same prudence
as tourists in other parts of the country.
Further information on developments in other areas of
Indonesia, including in Jakarta, may be found on the
Australian Embassy's website under 'Consular Advice' and
'Embassy Bulletin' at address:
http//www.austembjak.or.id/news.htm
Medical and travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Australians in Indonesia are encouraged to register their
presence in the country with the Australian Embassy, which
may be contacted by telephone (62-21) 522 7111 or by fax on
(62-21) 522 7101. Visitors to Bali may contact the
consulate on (62-361) 23 5092 or by fax (62-361) 23 1990.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may
also be contacted on (02) 6261 3305. "
You shouldn't worry too much as the Election itself will be
on June 7th and now that there is a Muslim coalition
joining forces against Golkar ( Suharto's New Order) things
should be not as explosive unless of course Golkar win
which is it seems impossible on paper but there are ways
and means and they have been using these ways and means for
nearly 32 years. Bali is probably the safest place you can
be if you are worried. Yes, there was some violence but
that was nothing major, a disput that ended up with a stall
owner being killed. Foreigners are not on any list of most
wanted in Indonesia apart from Papua as they are the way
Indonesia can get off it's knees.
Personally i think you have little to worry about but you
must keep up to date with what's going on after the
elections. Things are not by any means calm now and it's
still ( i reckon) safe for foreigners but July 6th is
referendum time in E. Timor and anyway it'll be over by the
time you are out there. In my opinion, stick with your
plans and keep up to date with Indonesia's wire service
'Antara'
http://www.antara.co.id/first.html
Pity though you will miss the festivities. I'm going to
jakarta FOR the elections .