Indonesia

[Casey]

Terror warning for Indonesian hotels, Australia says

The Australian government said on Wednesday it has received intelligence information of possible terrorist attack in Indonesia, targeting a Hilton hotel.


"We have received credible new information suggesting terrorists are ready to carry out an attack shortly in Indonesia, possibly targeting a Hilton hotel," the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said.

The Hilton Hotel group's are in Jakarta, the eastern city of Surabaya and and the resort island of Bali.

"We believe that there is a heightened risk of attacks in the lead up to and during this Christmas/New Year period and that these attacks could occur at any time, anywhere in Indonesia, including locations frequented by foreigners”, Alexander Downer, Australian Foreign Minister, said.

In 2002 Islamic terrorists detonated two nightclubs at the resort island of Bali killing 202 people, including 88 Australians. On Sept. 9 a building of an Australia's embassy in Jakarta was attacked by terrorists, killing 10 people.

http://www.realestategates.com/News/15122004/hotel_Indonesua5365756809.html

[Petronas]

New Zealand warns of tsunami-aid terrorist attacks
February 21, 2005

SYDNEY, Australia (DPA): New Zealand has joined Australia in warning that terrorists could be planning to attack foreigners working on relief efforts in tsunami-ravaged parts of Indonesia, it was reported on Sunday.

The foreign ministry said New Zealanders should not travel to the hard-hit Aceh province unless the aid organization they worked for had a robust security plan approved by the Indonesian authorities.

"We recommend that New Zealanders not covered by such arrangements, or more generally concerned for their security, leave the area immediately," it said in an updated travel advisory for Indonesia.

The ministry also advised New Zealanders to defer non-essential travel to Indonesia, including the tourist island of Bali, Batam and Bintan until further notice, saying recent reports suggested that terrorists in the region were planning attacks against a range of targets which could occur at any time.

http://www.thejakartapost.com/detaillatestnews.asp?fileid=20050220113315&irec=6

[Petronas]

Indonesia (Country threat level - 4): The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued the following travel advice on 3 October 2005: "Australians are advised to defer non-essential travel to Indonesia. Australians in Indonesia who are concerned for their safety should consider departing. Australians who consider their presence in Indonesia to be essential should exercise extreme caution. The recommendation that Australians defer non-essential travel applies to Indonesia as a whole, including Bali.

"A number of bombs exploded in Bali in the evening of 1 October at several locations, including Kuta Square and Jimbaran Bay. Several deaths and injuries occurred. The possibility of further explosions cannot be ruled out. Media have reported further general and specific bomb and terrorist threats and anonymous tip-offs in the wake of the 1 October bombings. While this information cannot be corroborated, Australians should be aware that the Seminyak area in Bali has been mentioned as a potential target for terrorist attacks. Nightclubs popular with westerners in Seminyak are possible targets. We continue to assess that hotels, shopping centres, restaurants, bars and all other areas where westerners tend to gather could be targeted by terrorists without forewarning. ..."

AIR SECURITY International - HOT SPOTS 10/4/2005

[Petronas]

Indonesia (Country threat level - 4): On 18 November 2005, the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta issued the following Warden Message: "The U.S. Embassy reminds Americans in Indonesia of the continued serious security threat to Americans and other westerners in Indonesia. The information obtained in the 9 November raid in which Indonesian police killed Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) terrorist Azahari Bin Husin shows that JI-affiliated terrorists were in the advanced stages of planning additional attacks against westerners in Indonesia. Specifically, the police discovered in the raid 35 bombs prepared and ready to use in attacks. Police also found a videotaped threat from a hooded terrorist who threatened specific attacks against Americans, Australians, British and Italians. The embassy and the Indonesian Government take these threats very seriously.

"The embassy further informs Americans that a recently discovered internet website provides detailed instructions on how terrorists can attack and kill individual westerners on the streets of Jakarta. The website, written in Indonesian, specifically mentions two locations known to be frequented by many western pedestrians, namely the area between the JW Marriott Hotel and Ambassador Mall, and the pedestrian overpass on Jl. Rasuna Said near the Australian Embassy and Setiabudi shopping complex. The website mentions specifically the Senayan golf driving range, the zoo, Taman Safari animal park, Ancol beach, Planet Hollywood, and the Jakarta Convention Center, and refers in general to hotels, sports centers and exhibition halls.

"The bombs and other materials in the Azahari safe house and the information on the website make it clear that terrorists in Indonesia are likely changing their tactics to include targeting of individual western citizens. In addition to past information which indicated that terrorists would target specific businesses or buildings, the new information shows that terrorists are likely now planning to attack westerners riding in cars or walking on streets, sidewalks or pedestrian overpasses in Jakarta. The Embassy considers that the information on the website was developed by persons with serious terrorist intent. ...

"The embassy reminds Americans that in recent years terrorist attacks have occurred in Indonesia during the Christmas and New Year's holiday season. The possibility of terrorist attacks appears even higher this year in view of the new threat information detailed above. ..."

AIR SECURITY International - HOT SPOTS 11/18/2005

[Petronas]

Indonesia (Country threat level - 4): The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued the following travel advice on 12 December 2005: "We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Indonesia, including Bali, at this time due to the very high threat of terrorist attack. We continue to receive a stream of reporting indicating that terrorists are in the advanced stages of planning attacks against Western interests in Indonesia against a range of targets, including places frequented by foreigners. If you are in Indonesia, including Bali, and are concerned for your safety you should consider departing. If you do decide to travel to Indonesia, including Bali, you should exercise extreme caution.

"Recent reports suggest that terrorists have been planning attacks against Westerners over the Christmas/New Year period. These attacks could be targeted at places where Westerners gather such as churches. On 24 December 2000 terrorists attacked ten churches across Indonesia.

"Terrorist attacks against Westerners in Bali and Jakarta indicate that these areas are a priority target for terrorists in Indonesia. Suicide attacks against locations frequented by foreigners in Bali and Jakarta have killed and injured many people. Further terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out and could occur at any time, anywhere in Indonesia. ..."

AIR SECURITY International - HOT SPOTS 12/12/2005

[Petronas]

Threat of terrorist kidnaps in Indonesia
December 20, 2005 - 8:40PM

Islamic terrorists in Indonesia are plotting to kidnap high-ranking officials, including foreigners, in a possible shift away from suicide bombings, the country's intelligence chief said on Tuesday. "They have a change in plan, such as to kidnap certain figures, especially influential ones. It could be foreigners or our officials," Syamsir Siregar, the head of the State Intelligence Agency, said after meeting President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in Jakarta. Siregar did not elaborate.

Terrorists from the al-Qaeda linked Jemaah Islamiah terror network have launched five deadly suicide bombings targeting Western interests since 2002. More than 240 people have died, many of them foreigners, 92 of them Australians.

In October 2002, two massive blasts outside two Bali nightclubs killed 202 people, among then 88 Australians. Other large car bombs followed. But there change in terror tactics recently. Last October, three suicide bombers detonated smaller backpack bombs in three restaurants on Bali, killing 20 people, four of them Australians. The change led to speculation by police and authorities that the terrorists were running low on funds or could no longer stage more complex strikes.

The Department of Foreign Affairs in Canberra has warned Australians to reconsider travel plans to Indonesia, including Bali, amid fears that a new wave of attacks could take place before and after Christmas.

http://www.theage.com.au/news/World/Threat-of-terrorist-kidnaps-in-Indonesia/2005/12/20/1135032016464.html

[Solo]

'Advanced stage' terror plots
From: AAP
By Rob Taylor

April 01, 2006

THE terror group Jemaah Islamiah was possibly planning an attack in Indonesia to coincide with the first anniversary of the Nias helicopter crash which killed nine Australians, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer indicated today.

Mr Downer today said he could reveal little about the intelligence which led the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to issue a fresh alert yesterday.

The alert warns of a very high threat of an attack somewhere in Indonesia tomorrow.

"The intelligence suggests that people who have previously been involved in terrorist activities could be planning a terrorist attack on April 2," he said in Adelaide.

Jemaah Islamiah (JI) was behind terrorist attacks on Bali in October 2002 (killing 202 including 88 Australians), the Marriott Hotel in Jakarta in August 2003 (11 dead), the Australian embassy in Jakarta in September 2004 (11 dead) and at Bali again in October last year (23 dead, four of them Australian).

Mr Downer said the Americans had also made public they had similar information.

In the new travel warning posted on its website, DFAT advises Australians to reconsider travel to Indonesia, including Bali, at this time due to the very high threat of terrorist attack.

"We continue to receive a stream of reporting indicating that terrorists are in the advanced stages of planning attacks against Western interests in Indonesia against a range of targets, including places frequented by foreigners," it said.

"These reports include information about potentially heightened risk of attack on particular dates.

"Recent reports suggest Sunday April 2 2006 could be a potential date for attack but we emphasise that attacks could occur at any time, anywhere in Indonesia."

Mr Downer said April 2 was the day Australia was holding a commemorative service on Nias island for the nine Australians killed in the Sea King crash there last year.

He said there was no information this possible terrorist attack would be specifically directed against Australians and there was no information about where the terrorist attack could take place.

"We have no information that it could take place on Nias Island or be in any way associated with the commemorative ceremony," he said.

Mr Downer said 28 family members were travelling to Nias, along with Veterans Affairs Minister Bruce Billson, navy chief Vice Admiral Russ Shalders and air force chief Air Marshal Geoff Shepherd.

He said all had been informed about the intelligence and the threats and he did not expect any to change their mind about attending.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,18677205-2,00.html

[Solo]

This is the first time I've ever seen a specific date mentioned in any travel warning by any country.

-----------------------------------
This Advice is current for Saturday, 01 April 2006.
Indonesia overall - Reconsider your need to travel
Aceh, Maluku and Central Sulawesi - Do not travel

This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains information in the Summary and on Safety and Security: Terrorism (possible heightened risk of attack on Sunday 2 April 2006). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Summary

* We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Indonesia, including Bali, at this time due to the very high threat of terrorist attack. We continue to receive a stream of reporting indicating that terrorists are in the advanced stages of planning attacks against Western interests in Indonesia against a range of targets, including places frequented by foreigners. These reports include information about potentially heightened risk of attack on particular dates. Recent reports suggest Sunday 2 April 2006 could be a potential date for attack but we emphasise that attacks could occur at any time, anywhere in Indonesia. If you are in Indonesia, including Bali, and are concerned for your safety you should consider departing. If you do decide to travel to Indonesia, including Bali, you should exercise extreme caution.

* In December 2005, Indonesian authorities warned publicly that terrorists in Indonesia may be planning to kidnap foreigners.

* Terrorist attacks against Westerners in Bali and Jakarta indicate that these areas are a priority target for terrorists in Indonesia. Suicide attacks against locations frequented by foreigners in Bali and Jakarta have killed and injured many people. Further terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out and could occur at any time, anywhere in Indonesia.

* Following the announcement on 23 March 2006 of decisions by the Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs granting temporary protection visas to a number of Indonesians from Papua province, peaceful protests have been staged outside the Australian Embassy in Jakarta. Further demonstrations or protests against the Embassy and/or other Australian interests in Indonesia are possible and should be avoided.

* We strongly advise you not travel to Aceh, Maluku (particularly Ambon) and Central Sulawesi due to the very unstable security situation and risk of terrorist attack. We advise you to read carefully the sections below on travel to Kalimantan, Papua, other parts of Sulawesi and West Timor where additional security risks exist.

http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Indonesia

[Petronas]

U.S. Warns of Possible Terrorist Attacks in Indonesia Tomorrow
Last Updated: April 1, 2006 02:25 EST

April 1 (Bloomberg) -- The U.S. cautioned its citizens about possible terrorist attacks taking place in Indonesia tomorrow, following a similar warning from the Australian government yesterday. Attacks on Western targets may occur ``any time, anywhere'' in Indonesia, the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta said in a statement on its Web site. Intelligence reports indicate Sunday April 2, 2006, could be one potential date for an attack, the statement said.

``Reports suggest attacks could include targeting individual American citizens,'' the Embassy said in the statement dated March 31. ``Recent demonstrations in Jakarta and elsewhere against U.S. Government facilities and U.S. businesses resulted in property damage, serious injuries and several deaths.'' The Embassy said Americans should avoid crowds, maintain a low profile, and be vigilant about their security at all times. ...

Indonesia last week said it identified an Indonesian national with suspected links to the al-Qaeda network as the new leader of Jemaah Islamiyah, the Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported at the time. The new chief is Abu Dujana, who had weapons training in Afghanistan and met al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, the ABC cited Colonel Petrus Golose, deputy commander of Indonesia's anti-terrorism unit, as saying.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000080&sid=a89T0gyYv55o&refer=asia

[Casey]

Experts warn of terrorist attacks at year end in Indonesia

Terrorists might launch strikes at year end in Indonesia (http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/data/indonesia.html) due to more annual events that lead to mass gathering which become soft target, experts warned.

Ansyaad Mbai, head of anti-terror desk of Indonesian Coordinating Ministry of Politics, Law and Security, said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua that terrorists were not stopping their activities now, but preparing and waiting for a chance to launch other strikes.

The arrest of terrorist figures even top leaders would not halt the group from continuing their move, which is an ideological movement, he said.

"I am sure the strike would depend on their readiness and how good opportunity they have for that," said Mbai.
"The chance (to have attacks) in our country is generally the best at ahead of year end, as there are many anniversaries, where people gather, many mass or many people travel, so they attack the points," he said.
Indonesia, the biggest Muslim country, has been hit by a series of major suicide bombings including the Bali Bombings respectively in 2002 and 2005, Marriot hotel and embassy bombings in Jakarta in 2003 and 2004 respectively, all occurred at year end.

Earlier, police said hundreds kilograms of explosive materials, the remainders of those used for the embassy explosion in Jakarta in 2004, is still in terrorists' hands.

Since the authorities have tightened security that hamper transport of explosives material in a large amount, terrorists have shifted method of operation from car bomb to back pack bomb with large number.
"The most possible for them is to develop assembled-bomb in a smaller size but it could attack simultaneously," he said.

An ex-senior member of the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) Nasir Abbas, who is now under the Indonesian police custody, said that the back- pack bomb was chosen because it was difficult to be detected.

Mbai said that after years facing with terrorist group, Indonesian police have known a lot about terrorist network and moves, making the group become divided and isolated into small cells, but they are still united in an ideology and mind set.

"Each cell is more autonomous, it can make a plot, fund, by itself, without coordination with other cells," he said.
Head of Southeast Asia Crisis Management Sidney Jones told Xinhua that the fugitive mastermind of the terrorist attacks in Indonesia Noerdin Mohammad Top has dissented from JI and conduct moves without coordination with other JI senior members.

"He does not seek approval from Air, head of the JI or others for his plan," She told Xinhua.
Noerdin is a terrorist coordinator in Southeast Asia, whom many times escaped from police pursuit and along with the slain Ashore, the bomb expert, has planned and implemented terrorist plots in Indonesia that killed more than 250 people.

"The figure of strategist and implementation is Noerdin. We showed him in video how the way he recruit in Semarang, so the candidate of the suicide bomber can be convinced," said Mbai.
The head of anti-terror unit said that to prevent terrorism in the future, the government must stop the root cause of the terrorism, that is radicalism.

The only thing that the authorities can do now is to firmly enhance law enforcement, but for long term it must eliminate the cause of radicalism, which comes from the injustices in the sector of politics, economy as well as global politics.

"The person, who has become militant, is not easy to change his mind. So it is needed a strong law enforcement," he said.

To pave the achievement of the long-term effort of eliminating injustice, the country's majority moderate Muslims, whom were silent to face radical groups during the attacks in five years ago and now have begun to take effort to persuade the radical groups, must also more be active to change mind of radicalism, said Mbai.

In addition, the government must gradually eliminate other factors that become its responsibility, he said.
Indonesian security authorities would seem face more challenges to fight terrorist groups, as they have recently change method of operation, which more rely on cyber media.

National Police chief General Sutanto told Xinhua that all concerned parties must increase alert on the terrorist threat.

"We may not be careless, but keep on alert," he said.

Mbai also said that police would face hard challenges in the future, as they must keep balancing the terrorist capability on cyber as well as the fraction of the groups into cells make them more difficult for detection.
"Now, terrorists are on small groups. The challenges are getting harder. The small groups are more difficult to be detected, " he said.

"Internet is the most effective facility for terrorist to communicate, recruit, look for funds, to train, inform the way to make bomb and to guide the target to be attacked," said Mbai.

Using internet would be relatively safe for them and more efficient, said the head of the anti-terror desk.
"Now the terrorist are busy to campaign their ideology through internet," he said.

The former JI senior member Abbas said that terrorist today have changed the way of their operation from fully secret to open.

"From the past that I know, the culture of the JI is secret culture, but now they open their way, their modus in a website that can be read by many people," he told Xinhua, referring to the "anhar" website that had been used by the groups.

Sydney Jones said that police must beef up control on terrorists being jailed from possible communicates with their fugitive fellows.

She said that internet played important role in radicalization, as many materials of jihad in the Middle East or other places, were easily to be downed load and be used again in Indonesia in a different interpretation.

Source: Xinhua

http://english.people.com.cn/200609/09/print20060909_301072.html

[uchiuke123]

http://www.adnki.com/index_2Level_English.php?cat=Terrorism&loid=8.0.338127615&par=0

TERRORISM: 5 YEARS AFTER 9/11, JEMAAH ISLAMIYAH STILL A SERIOUS THREAT

Jakarta, 8 Sept. (AKI) - Five years after the 9/11 attacks in the US and the start of the global war on terror, the Southeast Asian terrorist group, Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), which aims to create an Islamic caliphate in the region, has been weakened but remains a serious threat. "The group is much more fragmented," Sidney Jones, Southeast Asia director for the International Crisis Group told Adnkronos International (AKI). "But it is important to remember that part of JI is still intact and it is trying to regroup," said Jones. "The group is very adaptable and it still is a very serious threat," she added.

"Within JI there are tensions among those who want to carry on with indiscriminate attacks and those who do not," said Jones. The expert on terrorism in the Southeast Asian region cited the example of Malaysian Mohamed Noordin Top, a JI leader and the region's most wanted fugitive who favours indiscriminate attacks and appears to have lost the support of other members in the group.

According to Jones, one of the turning points in the fight against the al-Qaeda-linked JI has been the intervention of the United States in Southeast Asia, the region that has now been defined as the "second front in the war on terrorism".

Washington's main objective in the region has been the Filipino group, Abu Sayyaf, in the Sulu archipelago where American troops were deployed five months after the attacks on the World Trade Centre and soon after the fall of the hardline Taliban regime in Afghanistan in November 2001.

Even if the American troops are not involved in combat operations, their continued support has been important for the Philippines, often considered the weak-link in the fight against terrorism in the region.

Since then, the United States, assisted by Australia, has concentrated their attention on Jemaah Islamiyah, and signed various accords with countries in the region and contributed finances to their anti-terrorism forces.

Ken Conboy, the author of "The Second Front: Inside Asia’s Most Dangerous Terrorist Network", a book that traces the history of JI, told AKI about the other important changes inside JI in the past five years.

"After 9/11 the main changes took place in Singapore and Malaysia where before JI members could hold normal jobs, and donate portions of their salaries to the organization," said Conboy.

"After 11 September, they became fugitives in those nations. At the very least, they could no longer hold regular jobs and earn incomes. JI became much more dependent on al-Qaeda for funding," he added.

Sources say that in the past, al-Qaeda passed 130,000 dollars to JI. The link between the two organisations was Riduan Isamuddin, alias Hambali, who was arrested in Thailand in 2003. According to experts, today JI is financed mainly by the donations from members and from petty crime.

Besides Hambali's arrest, Conboy identified the September 2002 attacks on Bali and the death of Malaysian bomb-maker, Azahari bin Husin, in November 2005, as among the key episodes in the efforts against JI.

"After that date (the 2002 Bali bombings), the authorities moved swiftly, arresting hundreds. Over the ensuing year, the top three layers of JI were effectively eliminated," he said.

As for the Azahari's death, Conboy said that it contributed to a change in tactics by the JI, which for the moment, appears to have abandoned large-scale attacks in favour of smaller bombs that require little technical know-how and money.

"Yet they are just as effective in inflicting casualties to expatriates," said Conboy referring to the three explosions that killed 22 people to Bali on 1 October 2005.

"The threat is far from over," he concluded.


uchiuke123

[Petronas]

Indonesia (Country threat level - 4): Members of the Islamic Defenders' Front (FPI) threatened on 21 September 2006 to attack nightlife venues throughout Jakarta during the month of Ramadan unless the government closes all bars and night entertainment establishments for the duration of the holy holiday. A spokesperson for the group stated that they would first send a warning letter to the entertainment establishment and to police officials if the venue ignored its request to close. If the warning letter is ignored, the group's members will conduct "sweeps," which often involve vandalism and harassment of a venue's patrons. Members of the Betawi Brotherhood Forum (FBR) have likewise threatened to conduct attacks at bars and restaurants if they continue to serve alcohol during Ramadan. Ramadan is tentatively scheduled to begin either on 23 or 24 September.

http://www.airsecurity.com/hotspots/HotSpots.asp

[Casey]

Warden Message: Indonesia Holiday Security
Consular Affairs Bulletins
East Asia / Pacific - Indonesia
18 Dec 2006


U.S. Embassy Jakarta released the following Warden Message on December 18, 2006:

The U.S. Embassy reminds Americans in Indonesia of the continued serious security threat to Americans and other westerners in Indonesia. In recent years terrorist attacks have occurred in Jakarta and elsewhere during the Christmas and New Year's holiday season. The Embassy urges Americans to remain vigilant about security at all times.

Terrorist attacks could occur at any time and could be directed against any location, including those frequented by foreigners and identifiably American or other western facilities or businesses in Indonesia. Such targets could include but are not limited to places where Americans and other Westerners live, congregate, shop or visit, including hotels, clubs, restaurants, shopping centers, identifiably western businesses, housing compounds, transportation systems, places of worship, schools or public recreation events. Terrorists in Indonesia have most often directed attacks at specific buildings or locations. The possibility exists that individual Americans could be targeted for kidnapping or assault.

The Embassy urges Americans in Indonesia to evaluate carefully the security implications of their daily activities, and to consider the level of security provided when choosing venues for holiday celebrations, religious services, and recreation and travel. Americans should observe vigilant personal security precautions at all times, be aware of their surroundings, and vary the routes and times of their daily activities.

Street crime, including pick pocketing and drive-by purse snatching tends to increase during the holiday season. Americans should remain alert to possible criminal surveillance while shopping, and should avoid conspicuous display of cash. The Embassy urges Americans to use only reliable taxi companies and to telephone for taxi pickup whenever possible, rather than hailing cabs on the street.

The Embassy strongly encourages Americans in Indonesia, including short-term visitors, to register with the Embassy in Jakarta, the Consulate General in Surabaya, or the Consular Agent in Bali. Registration may be done on-line at http://jakarta.usembassy.gov/consular/onlinereg.html or by telephone to the numbers below.

Information on registration procedures, all security-related Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, and recent Embassy warden messages are posted on the Embassy's website at http://jakarta.usembassy.gov.

The Embassy is located at Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan, No. 4-5, Jakarta; the 24-hour telephone number is 021-3435-9000. The telephone number of the Consulate General in Surabaya is 031-295-6400; the telephone number of the U.S. Consular Agency in Bali is 0361-233-605.

[Petronas]

Terror warning issued for Indonesia
December 21, 2006

THE Australian Government has warned of the dangers of terrorist attacks targeting westerners in Indonesia over Christmas. Advice issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) today warned that terrorists could hit churches and other places visited by Australians over the Christmas and New Year period.

"There is a credible threat of terrorist attack in Indonesia during the Christmas and new year period," DFAT said. "Large gatherings of people over the holiday season may be appealing targets for terrorists."

The department warns that attacks could be carried out against foreigners in Indonesia at any time, urging Australians in Jakarta, Bali and Batam to take special care. "Terrorist attacks could occur at any time, anywhere in Indonesia, against a wide range of possible targets, in particular places frequented by foreigners." The department said recent media reports suggested that Indonesian police were increasing security around places of worship ahead of Christmas.

Indonesia has said it is deploying some 18,000 police and troops to guard churches and mosques over Christmas and New Year with terror mastermind Noordin Top still on the loose. Noordin is a key member of the al-Qaeda-linked Jemaah Islamiah extremist network, blamed for a series of terrorist attacks including the 2002 Bali bombings that killed 202 people, including 88 Australians. The US embassy also has warned of the possibility of militant attacks against Americans and other westerners during the festive season.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20961759-29277,00.html

[Casey]

Hard-liner threatens holy war against Indonesian police for killing Muslim militants

JAKARTA (AP): An alleged Southeast Asian terror leader threatened to call for holy war against Indonesian police Thursday, days after an anti-terror squad shot dead 15 suspected Islamic extremists.

Abu Bakar Bashir, accused by Australia and the United States of being a key figure in the al-Qaida-linked Jemaah Islamiyah, said Muslims should stop serving in the police's anti-terror squad on Indonesia's conflict-ridden Sulawesi island.

"If Muslims are being killed, then we must fight back," the 69-year-old cleric told around 100 hard-liners outside the National Human Rights Commission in the capital, Jakarta, where they were protesting Monday's killings.

"If necessary, we must organize a jihad," he said.

Police say they shot the 15 men Monday after coming under attack as they entered a militant stronghold in Poso, a flash- point town on Sulawesi. They recovered large numbers of guns, bombs and ammunition.

Islamic groups and politicians have criticized police following the raid.

However, Indonesia's vice president, other government officials and most of the media in the world's most populous Muslim nation have supported the operation.

"There is an attempt in Poso to eliminate the Muslims so the unbelievers will control the town," Bashir said. "I curse the actions of (the anti-terror squad) Densus 88 for killing Muslims and helping the unbelievers."

The International Crisis Group think tank said Wednesday that the operation appeared to be justified, but warned that it could backfire by inflaming Islamic terrorists on Sulawesi and elsewhere in Indonesia.

Six years ago, Sulawesi was the scene of bloody battles between Muslim and Christian gangs that left about 1,000 people dead and attracted Islamic militants from all over Indonesia.

Bashir was released from jail last year after serving 26 months behind bars for conspiracy in the deadly 2002 Bali bombings. In December, the Supreme Court overturned the conviction and ordered that his name be cleared. (***)

http://www.thejakartapost.com/detailgeneral.asp?fileid=20070125184854&irec=0

[Petronas]

Indonesia (Country threat level - 4): On 8 July 2007, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued the following travel advice for Indonesia: "We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Indonesia, including Bali, at this time due to the very high threat of terrorist attack. We continue to receive reports indicating that terrorists are planning attacks against Western interests against a range of targets, including places frequented by foreigners. If you are in Indonesia, including Bali, and are concerned for your safety you should consider departing. If you do decide to travel to Indonesia, including Bali, you should exercise extreme caution.

"There have been recent arrests of high level terrorist operatives in Indonesia, but we assess terrorists are continuing active planning of attacks. These attacks could take place at any time and could be imminent. Australians should consider this information carefully when considering travel to Indonesia. Particular care should be taken at this time to avoid known terrorist targets.

"In December 2005, Indonesian authorities warned publicly that terrorists in Indonesia may be planning to kidnap foreigners.

"Terrorist attacks against Westerners in Bali and Jakarta indicate that these areas are a priority target for terrorists in Indonesia. Suicide attacks against locations frequented by foreigners in Bali and Jakarta have killed and injured many people. Locations that might be targets include Jakarta, Bali and Batam. However terrorist attacks could occur at any time, anywhere in Indonesia against a wide range of possible targets, in particular places frequented by foreigners. …"

http://www.asigroup.com/HOTSPOTS.asp

[Casey]

Radical cleric Bashir visits Bali bombers
By Olivia Rondonuwu
December 15, 2007 09:04pm

RADICAL Islamic cleric Abu Bakar Bashir has visited the three Bali bombers on death row in prison.

Cleric Bashir, widely believed to be the spiritual head of South East Asian terror network Jemaah Islamiah (JI), said he wanted to boost the spirits of the three before they face the firing squad.

He also warned Indonesia would suffer a big disaster if it went ahead with the executions.

Bali bombers Amrozi, Cl Bashir's former student Mukhlas and Imam Samudra are awaiting execution in Batu Prison on Nusakambangan Island, off central Java.

The trio played key roles in the 2002 Bali terrorist attacks, which killed 202 people, including 88 Australians.

The radical cleric visited the prison with 20 other religious figures from central and west Java, along with relatives of the trio.

Cl Bashir was jailed for 30 months for conspiracy over the Bali bombings but later cleared.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22931396-1702,00.html