U.S., Britain advise their citizens to avoid travel to war-torn Aceh

Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The United States and Britain have warned their citizens not to enter war-torn Aceh, and suggested that those who are already there leave the province immediately.

Citing the increasing tension due to the military offensive against Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rebels, both governments also suggested that non-essential travel to Indonesia be postponed.

"American citizens are strongly urged to avoid traveling to Aceh and those already present should leave immediately," said the travel warning issued by the U.S. State Department on June 12.

The warning, however, did not specifically mention American journalist William Nessen, who is currently embedded with GAM and has been given an ultimatum by the military in Aceh to part ways with the rebels by 6 p.m. Saturday.

The military said on Friday that should Nessen still be with the rebels after the deadline passed, the military could not guarantee his safety should troops attack the rebel base where he was staying.

The U.S. warning reiterated that the ongoing military operation in Aceh posed new security threats in Indonesia, already beset by the threat of terrorist attacks.

"There is potential for violence and unrest; both can erupt with little forewarning."

In its extended travel warning, the U.S. government also said that its offices in Indonesia "may suspend service to the public, or close, because of security concerns."

Britain also suggested its citizens postpone unnecessary travel to Indonesia and those already in Indonesia should consider leaving if their presence is not essential.

It noted that violence had increased in Aceh since the imposition of martial law in the province on May 19. The shooting of two German citizens in Aceh on June 4 and the subsequent death of one of them underlined the unstable security situation.

"British nationals should avoid travel to Aceh, and those already there should leave," the warning said.

The Indonesian government has warned foreigners, including humanitarian aid workers, to stay out of Aceh.

Jakarta is slated to issue a regulation on the banning of foreigners from Aceh. In the case of foreign journalists, however, special arrangements will be made to allow them to continue covering the military operation, albeit under tight government control.

The British government also warned British vessels against approaching Aceh waters as the Indonesian authorities had imposed a 12-nautical mile exclusion zone around Aceh for foreign ships.

"British vessels are advised to avoid the exclusive zone," the warning underlined.

The extended travel warnings from foreign governments paint a gloomy picture of the security situation in Indonesia, and may be expected to further depress the tourist industry in the country.

President Megawati Soekarnoputri has repeatedly urged foreign governments to lift the travel warnings against Indonesia. However, most of the countries concerned stress their obligation to warn their citizens of the unstable security situation here.