Australian travelers are being warned to exercise a high degree of caution as neighboring Indonesia, the world’s third-largest democracy, heads to the polls next week in a high-stakes election.
Smart Traveler, the Australian government’s advisory service, said on Monday that “frequent political rallies and possible protests” were likely in the run-up to election day, in which more than 200 million Indonesians will vote for their next president.
‘Expect traffic delays and restricted access to venues if protests occur. “Avoid protests and demonstrations and monitor local media for the latest updates,” the advice states.
Australian travelers are being warned to exercise a high degree of caution as neighboring Indonesia, the world’s third-largest democracy, heads to the polls next week in a high-stakes election. People are seen on Kuta Beach in Bali.
The elections, a three-way race between former Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan, former military general Prabowo Subianto and former Central Java governor Ganjar Pranowo, will take place next Wednesday, February 14.
Boisterous political rallies are a common feature of life in Indonesia, a nation of around 270 million people, and tens of thousands of supporters can gather in stadiums to cheer on their preferred candidate.
The new warning adds to the overall risk assessment of “exercising a high degree of caution” for the country, which counts Bali, one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations, as its star tourist attraction.
In addition to the election, the government is advising Australian travelers to be aware of possible terrorist attacks and the country’s many active volcanoes, which can erupt without warning.
Presidential Candidate Ganjar Pranowo Campaigns In Jakarta
Soldiers from the Iskandar Muda military command participate in a roll call ceremony in Banda Aceh on February 1 ahead of Indonesia’s presidential and legislative elections. AFP
The government is also advising Australians to reconsider their need to travel to the Papuan provinces due to ongoing separatist activity.
“In recent years there have been tensions, including demonstrations and violence, in certain cities in the provinces of Papua, Papua Pegunungan, Papua Tengah and Papua Selatan,” the government says.
“Armed groups have stated that they are targeting foreigners, including Australians.”
But Indonesia continues to attract millions of Australian travelers each year with its heady mix of cultural power, natural beauty and affordability.
The tropical getaway was the number one travel location for Australians in 2023, according to data from Bupa Travel Insurance, followed by the United States and New Zealand.