Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Indonesian Presidential Inauguration Events

U.S. citizens should be aware that large crowds are expected in Jakarta on Monday, October 20, 2014, in conjunction with the presidential inauguration. Street closures and major traffic disruptions are expected, including but not limited to the vicinities of the Presidential Palace, the National Monument grounds, Jalan Sudirman, Jalan Thamrin, the Hotel Indonesia circle, and the national legislature (DPR/MPR).  We remind U.S. citizens to remain aware of your surroundings at all times, as even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. You should avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.

On Monday, October 20, the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia will not provide regular visa or American Citizen Service appointments. Emergency services for U.S. citizens will be available. U.S. citizens should not attempt to come in person to the Consular Section as large crowds and street closures in the vicinity of Embassy will make access to the Embassy extremely difficult. For emergencies, U.S. citizens should call the Embassy at +62-21-3435-9000 and ask for the Embassy duty officer.

We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Indonesia enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at travel.state.gov.  STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency.  If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the U.S. Embassy Jakarta, U.S. Consulate General Surabaya, U.S. Consulate Medan or U.S. Consular Agency Bali, or the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Regularly monitor the State Department’s website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution.  You can also find recent U.S. Embassy Jakarta messages to the public on the Embassy’s website.  Read the Country Specific Information for Indonesia.  For additional information, refer to the “Traveler’s Checklist” on the State Department’s website.

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions.  You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).  Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to have travel information at your fingertips.

U.S. Embassy Jakarta is located at Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan 5, Jakarta; the 24-hour switchboard telephone number is 62-21-3435-9000. The telephone number of U.S. Consulate General Surabaya is 62-31-297-5300; U.S. Consulate Medan is 62-61-451-9000; U.S. Consular Agency Bali is 62-361-233-605.