Travel warnings ignored risk to island

By STAFF REPORTERS and AGENCIES

New Zealand had no specific warnings that Bali could be a terrorist target despite two United States warnings advising its citizens to avoid spots where westerners gather in Indonesia.

Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff said that although parts of Indonesia had been identified in past warnings, no advice had been issued specifically naming Bali as a terrorist target.

The US issued a worldwide caution to its citizens last week about the ongoing risk of terrorist attacks, and on September 26 warned its citizens in Indonesia to avoid places where Westerners would congregate. Mr Goff said yesterday that neither warning specified Bali.

New Zealand travel advice had warned of problems in other parts of the troubled Indonesia, with people advised to stay away.

Bali was not included in New Zealand or Australian travel advice.

Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer was yesterday forced to defend his department's travel advice as he began a day-long factfinding trip to Bali after the weekend car bombings that killed almost 200 people.

The United States State Department labelled the October 10 advice as a "Worldwide Caution" and did not identify any countries as being at risk.

It warned that the crackdown on terrorism in the US meant citizens or interests overseas might be targeted.

The warning said credible indications that terrorist attacks were being planned were being received.

The warning advised citizens everywhere to be cautious.

It said facilities where Americans gathered, such as clubs, restaurants or places of worship, could be targeted.

The United States on September 26 issued a travel warning to its citizens in Indonesia telling them to exercise extreme caution, avoid large gatherings and places known to cater for a largely Western clientele.

Mr Downer also said yesterday that the Australian Government had no specific warning of the attack.

"Of course we've had what are called generic warnings.

"We've known that there were risks to people coming to Indonesia, including the risk of bombs exploding in holiday spots, where tourists congregate.

"But we haven't had any specific information. It's a general warning for Indonesia.

"What we didn't have was a warning specifically for this particular bar in Bali.

"If we'd known about that obviously we would have done our best to stop people going there."


Bali messages and latest information on New Zealanders
New Zealand travellers in Bali, and their families around the world, can exchange news via our Bali Messages page. The page also contains lists of New Zealanders in Bali and their condition.

Foreign Affairs advice to New Zealanders

* Travellers should defer travel to Bali

* NZers in Bali should keep a low profile and remain calm

* Foreign Affairs Hotline: 0800 432 111

Feature: Bali bomb blast

Related links