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Police insist Indonesia is 'safe'
Foreign tourists visit the famous Kuta Beach in Bali, Indonesia's most popular tourist destination, on Thursday
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Foreign tourists visit the famous Kuta Beach in Bali, Indonesia's most popular tourist destination, on Thursday. The government has proclaimed that Indonesia is safe despite a travel advisory issued by the Australian government that urges its citizens to be cautious of possible terrorist attacks in Indonesia. (Antara/Fikri Yusuf) (Antara/Fikri Yusuf)
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span class="inline inline-center">Foreign tourists visit the famous Kuta Beach in Bali, Indonesia's most popular tourist destination, on Thursday. The government has proclaimed that Indonesia is safe despite a travel advisory issued by the Australian government that urges its citizens to be cautious of possible terrorist attacks in Indonesia. (Antara/Fikri Yusuf)
In response to a travel warning issued by the Australian government, the National Police has insisted that Indonesia is a safe country.
"We guarantee the safety throughout Indonesia following the terrorism threat warning issued by Australia," National Police spokesman Brig. Gen Agus Rianto said on Thursday, as quoted by the Antara news agency.
Still, police would not overlook any threats and would take all information into account, he added.
The Australian government through the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued a warning on Thursday on possible "advanced stage" terrorist plans in Indonesia, urging Australian citizens to be on high alert at possible terrorist targets such as nightclubs, restaurants, international hotels and airports in places like Jakarta and Bali.
Foreign Affairs Minister Retno LP Marsudi said every country had the right to issue travel advisories for its citizens. She added that Indonesia would not issue an excessive response to the warning.
The ministry contacted the National Police regarding security, with the police responding that conditions in the country were safe.
"We are always on alert, but we don't depend on alerts given by other countries," she said as reported by kompas.com.
Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung said the government would use the warning from Australia as input for the authorities.
"We will tell the world that Indonesia is very safe and the government is able to control all security issues," he said at the State Palace, adding that control had been proven by police officers' ability to secure the capital and take down terrorists within three hours after the terrorist attack last month.
The attack on a police post and a Starbucks coffee shop on Jl. MH Thamrin in Central Jakarta left eight people dead, including four terrorists, and more than 25 injured. (rin)
Thejakartapost.com reporter Ayomi Amindoni contributed to this story
