France has not issued travel ban

The government of France vowed on Wednesday that it would not restrict its citizens from traveling to Indonesia despite a string of strong travel warnings already issued by several other countries in the aftermath of the devastating Bali attack.

"Some countries have taken drastic measures, urging their citizens to leave Indonesia, banning them from traveling to Indonesia, but we are pleased to say that it is not our approach," French Ambassador to Indonesia Herve Lasdous told reporters during a press conference at his office here.

France has issued what is considered a lower level advisory for its citizens in Indonesia, not quite as severe in its language as other countries.

According to Lasdous, terrorism is a global problem, and the terrorism threats exist in many places, not just in Indonesia.

Thus, the French government has decided not to issue a travel ban or require French people in Indonesia to leave the country, said Lasdous.

Lasdous took the opportunity to clarify his government's position just days after Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries urged developed countries to revoke their travel warnings into the region. --JP