Beware of terror in Indonesia, travellers told

New Zealanders are being warned against travelling to Indonesia, including Bali, over the Christmas and New Year period after the Government received reports terrorists were planning an attack.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued revised travel advice yesterday and is urging New Zealanders to defer tourist and non-essential travel to Indonesia until further notice.

New Zealanders in Indonesia should consider leaving, the ministry said.

"We continue to receive reports that terrorists in the region are planning attacks against a range of targets.

"In the lead-up to and over the Christmas and New Year period, these attacks could occur at any time anywhere in Indonesia and could be directed against any locations known to be frequented by foreigners."

The September 9 bombing attack outside the Australian Embassy in Jakarta which killed 10 people underlined the continuing terrorist threat in Indonesia, it said.

"Further attacks against Indonesian Government and Western interests could occur so these and areas of cultural or historical significance should also be avoided."

New Zealanders who did travel to Indonesia were urged to observe a high level of awareness in public and choose their destinations and activities carefully to avoid places where Westerners gather.

New Zealanders should also avoid public demonstrations and large crowds.

The Bali nightclub bombing in October 2002 killed 202 people, including three New Zealanders, and 12 people died in a blast at Jakarta's JW Marriott Hotel in August 2003.

* All New Zealanders registered with the embassy in Jakarta were being contacted to ensure they knew about the threats.

- NZPA