‘Risk of a Terrorist Attack’: Australia Issues Indonesia Travel Warning Ahead of Presidential Election

This picture shows a fishing boat during sunrise at a beach in Sanur on the Indonesian resort island of Bali, Indonesia on Dec. 29, 2023. Sonny Tumbelaka/ AFP via Getty Images

The Australian government has issued a new travel warning for Indonesia ahead of the presidential election on Feb. 14.

The smart traveller warning issued on Feb. 5 alerted Australians to possible protests in the lead-up to the election and travel delays.

Further, it warned of the ongoing risk of a terrorist attack in Indonesia and advised Australians to be alert to possible threats.

Active volcanoes, seismic activity, tension, demonstrations and violence in certain towns were also mentioned in the travel alert.

“The Indonesian presidential election will take place on 14 February. Frequent political rallies and possible protests are likely to occur in the lead-up to the election,” the warning stated.

“There’s an ongoing risk of terrorist attack in Indonesia. Be alert to possible threats. Take official warnings seriously and follow the advice of local authorities. Popular tourist areas may be the target of terrorist attacks.

“Many of Indonesia’s volcanoes are active and can erupt without warning. Volcanic and seismic activity may continue for some time. Adhere to exclusion zones around volcanoes, which can change at short notice, and follow the advice of local authorities. Domestic and international flights can be disrupted.”

Indonesia overall is in the yellow category “exercise a high degree of caution,” but some areas of the country are in the orange group “reconsider your need to travel.”

These orange provinces are Papua (Papua), Papua Highlands (Papua Pegunungan), Central Papua (Papua Tengah) and South Papua (Papua Selatan).

Ahead of the presidential election, tourists have been warned to expect traffic delays and restricted access to locations in the event of protests.

Travellers are advised to avoid protests and demonstrations, and monitor local media for updates. Travel warnings have also recently been issued for Chile, Jordan, and France.

Who is Running in the Indonesian Election?

In Indonesia, 200 million people will have the chance to vote for the next president, vice president and members of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR).

Current President Joko Widodo is constitutionally unable to seek a third term.

Prabowo Subianto from the right-wing populist Gerindra Party, independent Anies Baswedan, and Ganjar Pranowo from the secular nationalist Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) party are running.

The PDI-P is the party of President Widodo and was founded in 1973.

Prabowo is the current defence minister in Indonesia running on a ticket with vice presidential candidate, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who is the son of the former president.

Prabowo is leading in the polls and has selected President Widodo’s 36-year-old son as his running mate.

Bali Second Most Popular International Destination

Bali in Indonesia was named the second most popular international travel destination for Australians in 2023 by Flight Centre.

London was the top destination, while Singapore, Auckland, Fiji, Tokyo, Athens, Rome, Paris and Bangkok also made the top 10.

For 2024, the travel company listed Bali as the second hottest overseas destination, behind Singapore and ahead of Auckland, Fiji, Hawaii, Tokyo, Dubai, Phuket, Bangkok and Rome.

A family vacations together in Bali. Denis Moscvinov/Dreamstime

Looking at both domestic and international travel in 2023, Bali came in at number five behind Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and London. In 2023, 32 percent of travel bookings were for overseas destinations.

On Feb 2, Canberra Airport announced a new direct flight between Australia’s capital and Denpasar, Bali from June 14.

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr welcomed the investment from Batik Air Service in the route.

“A direct flight between Bali and Canberra will greatly benefit holiday seekers from Canberran and the region. The route also presents a great opportunity to connect the Canberra region to South-East Asia for leisure, trade and education,” he said.

Canberra Airport aviation head, Michael Thomson, said, “Bali is an amazing destination that blends culture, nature, and adventure and appeals to all types of travellers. We are also excited about the opportunity to connect Canberra to Asia through Batik’s extensive network.”

New Warning Also Issued for Chile, France

The Australian government has also put out a new warning for Chile on Feb. 5 due to active forest fires and demonstrations.

The notice advised “politically motivated” demonstrations are common, especially in Plaza Baquedano (Plaza Italia), Lastarria and Bellavista in central Santiago and the centre of Valparaiso.

“Outbreaks of violence may occur at any time and have also occurred in the Santiago suburbs of Las Condes, Providencia and Vitacura, where the Australian and other embassies are located,” the warning states.

“Local law prohibits political activity by foreign nationals. Participation in protests or demonstrations may result in detention or deportation. Avoid protests and large public gatherings. These can become violent. Authorities use tear gas and water cannons.”

In late January, smart traveller also put out an alert for France due to “protests by farmers” in Paris and other major cities.

“France’s national terrorist threat rating is currently ‘heightened Security—risk of attack’,” the warning states.

“Many security measures remain nationwide, including at schools, places of worship, shopping centres and landmarks. Be aware of your surroundings.”