Washington, June 13: Yhe US State Department warned American citizens against travelling to Indonesia because of the outbreak of hostilities in Aceh, where the Indonesian military is battling separatists belonging to the free Aceh movement. The Indonesian government has warned all foreigners to leave Aceh and has said the conflict could result in terrorist attacks throughout the country, especially in cities. "American citizens are strongly urged to avoid travelling to Aceh and those already present should leave immediately," the State Department said yesterday.
Soft targets are particularly vulnerable, including "hotels, clubs, restaurants, shopping centers, housing compounds, transportation systems, places of worship, schools or outdoor recreation events," the Department said.


The statement supersedes the one issued April 25, which also warned Americans against nonessential travel to Indonesia. The department allowed the return of staff and family members to the us embassy in Jakarta and the US consulate General in Surabaya at that time.
Bureau Report