Ministry advises against travel to Indonesia

The threat of war in Iraq has led to an upgraded warning against travel to Indonesia.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday warned New Zealanders not to undertake any non-essential travel to the country, including Bali, the scene of last October's bombing of nightclubs frequented by Australians and Kiwis.

"New Zealanders in Indonesia should be aware of the heightened risk to Westerners and Western interests as a result of protest action or acts of violence or terrorism in reaction to the Iraq crisis," said the travel advisory notice.

The ministry said New Zealanders should in no circumstances travel to Aceh, on the northern tip of Sumatra, the Maluku Islands, (West) Papua, Sulawesi and the Belu district of West Timor.

It said New Zealanders already in Indonesia should be extra vigilant and avoid crowded places and landmarks.