East Asia / Pacific
Destination Report: Indonesia
By JoAnne Green
September 26, 2008

Warning of Kidnappings

The U.S. Embassy in Jakarta issued a Warden Message on September 26, 2008 to inform Americans of a recent incident in the Sub-district of Sawang in North Aceh, district of Nanggroe Aceh Province.  An expatriate and Indonesian national working in this area were kidnapped and robbed. Reportedly the victims’ lives were threatened, but they were eventually released unharmed. It is believed that the kidnapper’s initial intent was to hold the victims for ransom.  

The Embassy recommends that Americans avoid travel to the sub-district of Sawang at this time and exercise caution in and around the neighboring sub-districts. Visitors to the area should coordinate closely with the local authorities. Travelers passing through the area are advised to exercise caution. Travelers may contact Consulate Medan for more information. 

 

The Embassy reminds Americans living and traveling to Indonesia that the information in the Country Specific Information (formerly Consular Information Sheet) for Indonesia as well as the Worldwide Caution still remains valid. 

 

Americans living and traveling in Indonesia are urged to register and update their contact information with the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya, or U.S. Consular Agency in Bali. All Travel Warnings, Public Announcements and recent warden messages are posted on the Embassy website at http://jakarta.usembassy.gov. 

Travel Advisories

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs gives the following advice Australians who are traveling, working or living in Indonesia: “Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas, organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy.”

The British Foreign & Commonwealth Office gives the following advice British people who are traveling, working or living in Indonesia: “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 all the activities you want to undertake.”

The Canadian Foreign Affairs Office gives the following advice to Canadians who are traveling, working or living in Indonesia: “Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover costs if you get sick or are injured while abroad. Out-of-country healthcare can be costly, and your health plan will cover only part of the bill at best. It is your responsibility to obtain supplementary travel insurance and understand the terms of your policy. Some credit card companies offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume that coverage is automatically included or that the card alone provides adequate coverage.”

The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade gives the following advice to New Zealanders “New Zealanders travelling or resident in Indonesia should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air.”

The U.S. Department of State gives the following advice to Americans who are traveling, working or living in Indonesia: “We strongly urge you to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation and overseas medical services. Please keep in mind that Medicare does not cover any illness or injury that occurs outside of the United States.”

How We Can Help

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