Americans advised against travel to Jakarta

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Citing a "rise in anti-American rhetoric," the U.S. State Department Monday issued a travel advisory for Indonesia and East Timor, urging U.S. citizens to exercise caution "at all times" and to "keep a low profile."

The advisory also urged Americans to vary their travel route and to "be alert to suspicious or unclaimed packages."

The warning noted that Indonesia has experienced a rash of bombings in the past several months, and that "the U.S. Embassy has had indications that this wave of bombings may continue and that U.S. interests may be targeted."

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The U.S. Embassy has been closed since Wednesday because of threats.

The advisory said there has been a "rise in anti-American rhetoric" by some national and political leaders and extremists groups, and "there have been a number of acts of intimidation and violence directed at American companies and US diplomatic facilities."

"Security official have sometimes been unwilling or unable to intervene," the statement said.

The warning updates an advisory issued Thursday about Indonesia to include new information about threats on the island of Java, including Jakarta, and the city of Solo (Surakarta). A number of Islamic groups visited hotels in that area Sunday, demanding the names of U.S. citizens and ordering all Americans to leave the country within 48 hours.

"American citizens are encouraged to defer travel to Java," the warning said.

The statement also warns American citizens to defer travel to Aceh, Papua and the Moluccas (provinces of North Maluku and Maluku) because the Indonesian government has restricted the travel of U.S. and other international government officials to those islands due to security concerns.

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U.S. State Department - Travel Warnings & Consular Information Sheets

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