The Foreign Office has issued updated travel advice warning of the escalating risk of civil disorder and terror attacks, after furious street battles between police and protesters exploded
British holidaymakers with plans to visit Bali have been issued an urgent safety alert following violent riots across Indonesia, resulting in seven fatalities and hundreds of injuries in the country’s worst unrest in years.
The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice, warning of an increasing risk of civil disorder and terrorist attacks, following intense street clashes between law enforcement and demonstrators throughout the vast archipelago.
The lethal chaos was sparked by public outrage over extravagant new parliamentary benefits, leading to widespread protests that have rapidly spread from the capital, Jakarta, to cities nationwide. This news coincides with an urgent text message sent to Brits preparing for their holidays by HM Passport Office.
Regional parliament buildings set ablaze as violence escalates.
Rampant mobs have set regional parliament buildings on fire, initiated extensive looting, and engaged in fierce confrontations with security forces as the political crisis intensifies, reports the Express.
The death toll continues to rise, with three individuals losing their lives in Makassar after irate protesters set a parliament building alight, resulting in scenes of complete destruction.
The violence took a dramatic turn when 21 year old ride-hailing driver Affan Kurniawan was fatally struck by a police vehicle in Jakarta, sparking national outrage and fuelling further waves of anti-government anger.
A student also lost their life during brutal confrontations in Yogyakarta, whilst an elderly rickshaw driver perished after breathing in tear gas amid clashes in Solo, contributing to the escalating human toll of the political chaos.
Jakarta’s health department has verified that an alarming 469 individuals have sustained injuries since the violence erupted, with almost 100 needing hospital care for their wounds.
President Prabowo Subianto acknowledged he was “shocked and disappointed” by Kurniawan’s death but has commanded police and military personnel to implement the “firmest possible action” against demonstrators as the situation deteriorates rapidly.
“There are signs of unlawful acts, even leading to treason and terrorism,” he cautioned in a foreboding declaration that highlights the severity of the crisis engulfing the country.
Rehayu Saraswati, a representative of the governing party, admitted the magnitude of the demonstrations had left the administration entirely unprepared.
She revealed to the BBC: “I don’t think any of us saw this coming. It happened very, very quickly within a matter of days.”
However, she dismissed allegations that the government had ignored public worries, stating: “We understand that the situation is difficult, and that the economy has been quite, I would say, challenging for some people.
“The recently announced cuts to the parliamentary budget and allowances are a way to show that we are listening.”
Molotov cocktails and snipers as military deployed The violence has escalated to worrying heights, with protesters in Bandung launching Molotov cocktails and firecrackers at police lines, while thousands more have taken to the streets across Sumatra, Java, Borneo and Sulawesi.
The UK Foreign Office is now advising British travellers to avoid protests and large gatherings, emphasising that peaceful demonstrations can quickly escalate into fatal violence.
In its revised travel guidance, the FCDO cautioned: “Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Indonesia. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals.
“Potential targets can include beach resorts, hotels, bars and restaurants, markets and shopping malls, tourist attractions, places of worship, foreign embassies, polling stations, ferry terminals and airports.”
Holidaymakers are being instructed to remain extra vigilant during national holidays, religious festivals and elections, when the terror threat intensifies significantly.
The FCDO has additionally highlighted the ongoing risk of minor criminal activity and elaborate cons targeting unwary tourists. British travellers should carry only necessary belongings, ensure passports and bank cards remain safe at all times, and utilise only licensed taxi services such as Bluebird, Silverbird or Express – whilst meticulously verifying drivers correspond with app reservations.
Authorities issued a sobering warning that no overseas journey is entirely without risk, stating: “Read all advice carefully and ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance.”
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