Situation in Bali

DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND
TRADE

AUSTRALIA

D73

Australians are reminded of the travel advisory for
Indonesia issued on 5 August 1998 and the Bulletin to
Australian Citizens first issued by the Australian Embassy
in Jakarta on 1 October 1998 as outlined below.

The situation in Bali is calm and services for tourists
are generally operating normally. However, a Congress of
one of the major political parties in Indonesia - the PDI
(Megawati) - will take place on Bali 8-10 October. Military
and police authorities in Bali have advised that they are
taking steps to ensure that the Congress does not disrupt
normal daily business and tourism activities in Bali.
Authorities advised that the Congress meetings will be held
at the Grand Bali Beach Hotel (GBBH) in Sanur and that mass
meetings will be held at the Kapten Jaba Square, Padang
Galak on the outskirts of Denpasar. Security forces will
cordon off this area.

Travellers to Bali may expect some disruption to normal
services during this period. Traffic congestion is expected
due to anticipated road closures in this area and the number
of participants using the roads in southern Bali during the
period of the Congress.

As notified in the 5 August Travel Advisory for
Indonesia, Australians should avoid crowds and
demonstrations that could be construed to have a political
purpose and also observe directions given to them by hotel
staff.

Please refer to the Travel
Advisory for Indonesia.

Media Inquiries:

Tony Melville/Kirk Coningham (02) 6261 1555