Germany changes travel advisories

JAKARTA: Germany has lifted its general travel warning for Indonesia, but continues to advise special vigilance and caution for its citizens while staying in or visiting Indonesia.

A statement issued by the German Embassy in Jakarta said that Germany had changed two of its previous recommendations -- not to undertake touristic or other travel to Indonesia, and the repatriation of German nationals from Indonesia whose presence in the country was not essential.

"It has been possible to make these significant changes in the light of a new assessment of the security situation in Indonesia ... based on, among other things, the successful investigation of the Bali bombing," the statement read.

The statement also said that the measures Jakarta had taken against terrorist were crucial for ensuring the security of German citizens in Indonesia.

Many other countries, including Britain, the United States, Japan and Australia, also issued travel warnings for their citizens to avoid visiting Indonesia following the Bali blasts on Oct. 12.

Some of these countries have since lifted the warnings. --JP