American Citizens Services Newsletter

Warden Message (12/22/2005)

The American Embassy in Jakarta issued the following warden
message on December 22, 2005:

The U.S. Embassy reminds Americans in Indonesia of the continued serious security threat to Americans and other westerners in Indonesia. Indonesian authorities have recently warned of the possibility that terrorists may be planning to kidnap foreigners over the Christmas and New Year holidays. The Embassy reminds Americans that in recent years terrorist attacks have occurred in Indonesia during the Christmas and New Year's holiday season. The possibility of terrorist attacks appears even higher this year in view of this new threat information. Americans are urged to read and take seriously the Department of State Travel Warning issued on November 22, 2005.

Information obtained in the November 9 raid in which Indonesian police killed Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) terrorist Azahari Bin Husin shows that JI-affiliated terrorists were in the advanced stages of planning additional attacks against westerners in Indonesia. Specifically, the police discovered in the raid a number of bombs prepared and ready to use in attacks. Police also found a videotaped threat from a hooded terrorist who threatened specific attacks against Americans, Australians, British and Italians. The Embassy and the Indonesian Government take these threats very seriously.

The Embassy further informs Americans that an internet website discovered in November provides detailed instructions on how terrorists can attack and kill individual westerners on the streets of Jakarta. The website, written in Indonesian, specifically mentioned locations frequented by many western pedestrians.

The bombs and other materials in the Azahari safe house and the information on the website make it clear that terrorists in Indonesia are likely changing their tactics to include targeting of individual western citizens. In addition to past information which indicated that terrorists would target specific businesses or buildings, the new information shows that terrorists are likely now planning to attack westerners riding in cars or walking on streets, sidewalks or pedestrian overpasses in Jakarta. The Embassy considers that the information on the website was developed by persons with serious terrorist intent.

The Embassy urges Americans in Indonesia to evaluate very carefully the security implications of all their daily activities in light of the above information. Americans should observe vigilant personal security precautions at all times, be aware of their surroundings, and vary the routes and times of their daily activities. Attacks could occur at any time and in any location, including but not limited to places where Americans and other westerners live, congregate, shop or visit, including hotels, clubs, restaurants, shopping centers, identifiably western businesses, housing compounds, transportation systems and roads, places of worship, schools, sports facilities, or recreation facilities or events. Roads leading to and from such locations, toll booths, and parking lot entrances and exits could also be targeted.

 

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Last modified: December 29, 2005