Travel advice: Indonesia

16 December 2004

In light of recent warnings from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in regard to possible terrorist attacks on Western hotels in Indonesia, it is timely to remind all UNSW staff and students that they are prohibited from undertaking any University travel to Indonesia (including transit and stopovers) until further notice.

The decision was taken following the bombing outside the Australian Embassy in Jakarta in September.

Staff and students already in Indonesia are required to follow DFAT advice and to regularly monitor both their email service and the University website.

The University is regularly reviewing its policy on staff and student travel in light of the current international tensions. The following policy is current as of today (16 December) and will remain in place until further notice.

Staff and students are prohibited from undertaking any official University travel (including transit or stopover) to countries for which there is a DFAT warning to 'defer all travel', 'evacuate' or equivalent. If you are already in a country with such an alert, you are required to follow DFAT advice and may be instructed to return to Australia immediately.

Staff and students are reminded that travel to any location for which there is a warning from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website to 'defer non-essential' travel, or any stronger warning, must be approved by Professor John Ingleson, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International). In applying for such approval, you must provide documentation to support the decision that the travel is essential and advise of any safety or security precautions.

All travel to the Middle East and Turkey is to be approved by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International).

Staff and students are strongly advised to take all due care in travel.

Staff and students should:

1. Ensure there is an accurate record of their travel plans including itinerary and contact details with the Head of their unit or the Exchange Program Office.

2. Check the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for travel warnings before commencing travel.

3. Register and maintain contact with the relevant Australian Embassy/Consulate.

In view of the recent international tensions and SARS outbreaks, the University recommends that all staff and students remain vigilant of safety and health warnings related to all travel.

The following websites provide useful information on these issues:

World Health Organisation

Department of Foreign Affairs

Commonwealth Health Department

Commonwealth Health Information Hotline: 1800 004 599