Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Criminal Assault in Lombok

The U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya would like to inform U.S. citizens traveling to, and residing in Indonesia of a violent criminal assault that occurred in Lombok on December 2, 2015.  During daylight hours, two U.S. citizens encountered a makeshift roadblock on a dirt road near the town of Selong Belanak, in southern Lombok.  When they got out of their vehicle to inspect the blockage, two men with machetes attacked them.  One victim was severely injured in the attack, but both were able to escape.  Similar incidents involving other foreigners and Indonesians have been reported in the area this year.  A police investigation is ongoing.

Situational awareness is one of the best tools to keep you safe. When traveling, let your family, or friends know of your travel route, and in isolated areas and/or on the road, especially late at night, you are reminded to take note of your environment, particularly vehicles or individuals that may be following you.  Review your personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings, including local events, and monitor local news stations for updates.  Be vigilant and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.  Please contact the local police and notify the U.S. Consulate General or U.S. Embassy in Jakarta if you are a victim of a crime.

For further information about security in Indonesia:

  • See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Indonesia Country Specific Information.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Contact the U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya, located at Jl. Citra Raya Niaga No. 2, Surabaya, at +62 31-297-5300, 07:30 a.m. to 04:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.  The after-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +62 81-133-4183.The American Citizen Services Unit of the Consulate General can also be reached by e-mail at SurabayaACS@state.gov.
  • Contact the U.S. Embassy in Indonesia, located at 5 Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan, Jakarta,at +62-21 3435-9055/9054, 07:30 a.m. to 04:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.  The after-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +62-21 3435 9000, then press 0 for the operator. The American Citizen Services Unit of the Embassy can also be reached by e-mail at jakartaacs@state.gov.
  • Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Mondaythrough Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).