Germany changes travel advisories

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