What's Behind the Travel Warning from Several Countries?

Several countries imposed travel warnings on Indonesia following natural disasters and terrorist threats. On Dec 6, Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised its citizens to postpone non-essential travel to areas in Indonesia. "Because of the volcanic activity of Mount Semeru, Singaporeans in Lumajang and Malang should monitor these developments closely," Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in its warning.

Travel advice released by the Canadian government also asks its citizens to exercise caution in Indonesia due to political and social tensions and the threat of terrorism across the country. This warning was released on Dec 6 or the day before the terror attack at a police station in Bandung. Several foreign media outlets such as Al Arabiya, The Straits Times, Kyodo News, Xinhua, South China Morning Post, and The Star highlighted the terror act as a "suicide attack."

Head of the Public Information Bureau of the Public Relations Division of the Police Headquarters Brigadier General Ahmad Ramadhan said the Mobile Brigade team, the bomb or explosives disposal team, and the Special Detachment 88 Antiterror had taken security measures. "Currently, the situation is under control. The public must calm down," he said.