Talking Points: Indonesia (January 14, 2016)

Talking Points – Indonesia Terror Attacks

Copyright © 2016 – Travel Leaders Group LLC. All rights reserved.

The following Talking Points can be used in conversations with the media and clients who have

questions about travel to Indonesia. (January 14, 2016)

1. Despite a coordinated terror attack in Indonesia’s capital city of Jakarta, the U.S. State

Department has not issued any Travel Warning or Travel Alert for the nation. However,

the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta has issued two Emergency Messages along with a Security

Message for U.S. citizens traveling there.

2. Safety is our top priority for our clients.

3. We provide the facts so our clients can make an informed decision about their travel

plans.

Below you will find additional information, supporting material and statistics to help further

illustrate each talking point.

1. Despite a coordinated terror attack in Indonesia’s capital city of Jakarta, the U.S. State

Department has not issued any Travel Warning or Travel Alert for the nation. However,

the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta has issued two Emergency Messages along with a Security

Message for U.S. citizens traveling there.

 On January 14, 2016, at least two people were killed and 19 more wounded after “wellarmed

militants detonated explosives and opened fire” in central Jakarta, Indonesia. Five

attackers were also killed in the assaults.

o “It started with an explosion as an attacker blew himself up at a Starbucks. The

assault began late Thursday morning on Thamrin Street, an entertainment and

shopping district with various Western chain restaurants and stores,” CNN

reported.

o “Police spokesman Anton Charliyan said it’s believed the attackers in Jakarta

were targeting foreigners and the police, and are likely affiliated with ISIS. Among

the dead was at least one foreign national, authorities said. Nineteen people,

including another foreigner, were injured,” according to CNN.

 BBC reports that “A Canadian and an Indonesian national also died.”

o “It took security forces about three hours to end the attack near a Starbucks cafe

and Sarinah’s, Jakarta’s oldest department store, after a team of at least seven

militants traded gunfire with police and blew themselves up,” Reuters reports.

o The attacks were “described as an attempt to mimic the deadly Paris attacks,”

BBC reported.

o “Two of the attackers were killed in a suicide bombing, police said, with the other

three killed in gun battles with police,” according to BBC. Reuters reports that two

of the militants were taken alive.

 The U.S. Embassy in Jakarta issued two “Emergency Messages for U.S. Citizens”:

o The first emergency message advises: “This emergency message is being

issued to advise all U.S. citizens to avoid the area around Sari Pan Pacific Hotel

and Sarinah Plaza on Jalan Sudirman Thamrin, in downtown Jakarta. Preliminary

reports indicate an explosion and gunfire has occurred in the general vicinity and

situation continues to unfold.”

o The second emergency message advises: “This emergency message is being

issued to advise all U.S. citizens in Jakarta to shelter in place and monitor local

and international media until the situation becomes clearer. Media report that

there may be explosions in other parts of city and that the original gunmen may

have escaped.”

 Additionally, the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta has issued a Security Message for U.S.

Citizens:

o On the morning of January 14, there were a number of explosions and gunfire at

the intersection near the Sarinah Plaza on Jalan Thamrin, Central Jakarta. A

number of deaths and injuries have been reported, including four suspected

perpetrators of the attack. Indonesian authorities are pursuing the remaining

suspects. Further incidents are possible. As the security situation remains fluid,

U.S. citizens are advised to avoid Sari Pan Pacific Hotel and Sarinah Plaza on

Jalan Thamrin and defer all non-essential travel in the city. Areas to be

particularly avoided are malls, restaurants, cinemas and large gatherings as

these could be potential targets. No U.S. citizens are among the victims. The

Indonesian government has described the incident as a terrorist attack.

o The U.S. Embassy strongly urges U.S. citizens to maintain a high level of

vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their

personal security. U.S. citizens are encouraged to monitor local and international

media and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities.

o As a precaution, the U.S. Embassy will be closed on Friday, January 15, for

regular visa appointments and normal American citizen services. The U.S.

Embassy remains open for emergency services to American citizens.

o Airports remain open; however, travelers may expect delays because of

heightened security measures. We encourage travelers to contact transport

companies for the latest information and to arrive at airports early.

o Public transportation is operational; however, some streets around the affected

area may be closed. Please monitor local media for information on possible road

closures.

o The U.S. Embassy suggests U.S. citizens directly contact concerned family

members in the United States to advise them of your whereabouts and safety.

 The United Kingdom’s Foreign & Commonwealth Office advises:

o “During the morning of 14 January 2016 there were explosions and gunfire

reported in the vicinity of the Sari Pan Pacific Hotel and Sarinah Plaza on Jalan

M.H. Thamrin in central Jakarta. You should avoid the affected area, limit your

movements and follow the advice of local authorities.”

o “There is a high threat from terrorism. Terrorist groups continue to plan attacks

and have the capacity and intent to carry out these attacks at anytime and

anywhere in the country. You should be particularly vigilant during holiday

periods such as Easter, Christmas, New Year, Nyepi (Balinese New Year, 9

March 2016) and Independence Day (17 August).”

o “Around 220,000 British nationals visit Indonesia every year. Most visits are

trouble free.”

 The Government of Canada advises that, “There is no nationwide advisory in effect for

Indonesia. However, you should exercise a high degree of caution due to a continuing

threat of terrorist attacks throughout the country.”

 The January 14 terror attacks are the first major ones in Indonesia since 2009 when

there were simultaneous attacks on the J.W. Marriott and Ritz Carlton Hotels. Seven

people were killed in those attacks.

2. Safety is our top priority for our clients.

 We highly recommend that U.S. citizens follow the advice of the State Department and

register their international travel plans at https://step.state.gov/step. By entering

information into the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), the Department of

State can better assist travelers in an emergency.

 While no one can say with certainty that any destination is 100% safe, we strongly

encourage our clients to use care and common sense – no matter where they travel – to

maximize their safety and security. For example:

o Leave your itinerary, and passport data page, with a friend or family member

back home so you can be contacted in case of an emergency.

o Know and respect the laws in the country you are visiting.

o Follow your instincts and avoid any areas or situations that seem as though they

could become dangerous.

o Remain alert to their surroundings at all times.

o Avoid all demonstrations, as even peaceful ones can quickly become unruly and

a foreigner could become a target of harassment. If caught unexpectedly near a

demonstration, obey instructions from police and leave the area as quickly as

possible.

o Ask tour guides and hotel officials about any planned demonstrations in the

locations they plan to visit.

o Do not display expensive looking jewelry, large amounts of money or other

valuable items. Also, do not leave luggage unattended in public areas and do not

accept packages from strangers.

o Check with your cell phone provider prior to departure to see if your phone is

capable of roaming on GSM or 3G/4G international networks.

o Check your medical insurance coverage to make sure it applies overseas. If it

doesn’t, consider buying travel insurance that covers overseas medical attention

and medical evacuation.

 The U.S. State Department also offers a helpful guide called “A Safe Trip Abroad” which

provides additional travel tips.

 Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 888-407-4747 toll-free

in the United States and Canada or 202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers

are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, Eastern Time (except

U.S. federal holidays).

3. We provide the facts so our clients can make an informed decision about their travel

plans.

 We closely monitor the U.S. Department of State website for travel alerts as well as the

more severe travel warnings for all destinations, including those that are most popular

with our clients.

 Should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination, we alert clients who may

be planning to travel there so they can determine for themselves if they still wish to

travel.

o The most popular destination within Indonesia is Bali, which is approximately 600

miles/950 kilometers from Jakarta.

 Also, should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination where a client is

currently located; we try to immediately contact the client to check on their well-being

and work to assist them if they require alternate travel arrangements.