U.S urges caution on RI

U.S urges caution on RI

WASHINGTON (AFP): Warning that political unrest could strike
Indonesia this year, the U.S. State Department on Friday urged
U.S. nationals to 'consider carefully' whether to travel there.

"The political and economic situation is unsettled and is
likely to remain so leading up to the June 1999 parliamentary
elections and the selection of a new president a few months
later," the department said in a statement. "Americans citizens
should consider carefully whether to travel to Indonesia during
this period."

U.S nationals throughout Indonesia "should exercise prudence
and common sense, and avoid demonstrations and other situations
that could turn violent," the statement said, adding that
Americans have not been specifically targeted.

The department said Americans in Indonesia should have their
passports and other crucial papers in order in case they must
leave quickly.

"Americans traveling in Indonesia should remember that much of
the country, including many tourist destinations, can be isolated
and difficult to reach by available transportation or
communication links," it said.