LETTER FROM THE CANADIAN AMBASSADOR TO ALL CANADIANS IN EAST JAVA:

 

May 14, 1998

 

 

Dear Sir or Madam:

 

 

As your Ambassador, I am writing to you concerning the present situation of unrest in Indonesia. As you know the demonstrations have been escalating over the past couple days in major centres, particularly in Jakarta. In many instances these have gone beyond student protests and now include many civilian participants. The Embassy has been monitoring the situation very closely, including making and receiving telephone calls, staying in touch with other Embassies, and monitoring national and international media reports. I recommend that you keep yourself closely informed of developments and, for the moment, limit all non-essential travel, in and around Jakarta and/or Indonesia. Radio and TV reports are a good source of information. The Embassy will provide you with further guidance as appropriate.

 

You should avoid at all times being in the vicinity of public demonstrations. These demonstrations can escalate and turn violent with little or no warning. Should you come across any potential signs of unrest please leave the area immediately. At this time, there appears to be no specific threat to Canadians in Indonesia. Nevertheless, we must stress that it is prudent for all Canadian citizens to follow a number of standard safety steps.

 

In particular, Canadians should take the following precautions:

 

  1. Ensure that your passport necessary visas and other documentation are valid. You and your family members should registered at the Embassy in Jakarta, the Consulate in Surabaya (East Java) or the Australian Consulate in Denpasar (Bali) along with your current address and telephone numbers. Please replace immediately any expired passport and/or update your registration if necessary.
  2. Assemble all important documents, such as passport, birth and marriage records, vaccinations, insurance and bank records, school papers and the like in one readily accessible location.
  3. Make a complete inventory of all your household effects.
  4. Maintain and adequate supply of non-perishable food and water in your home as well as other essentials such as flashlights, candles, medication, etc. Your vehicle should be in good working order. Keep the fuel tank filled at all times and check oil, coolant, tires and the battery.

 

You should be aware that the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in Ottawa has issued a travel advisory report reflecting the situation indicated above. As well it advises Canadians to defer non-essential travel to Indonesia for the time being. I would like to reiterate to all Canadian citizens in Indonesia that the Embassy is monitoring the situation closely and will keep you advised as appropriate. Meanwhile, we would be grateful if you pass the contents of this letter to any Canadians you know that may not already be registered with the mission. All Canadians in Indonesia, regardless of the length of their stay in the country, should be encouraged to register their presence with the Embassy, without further delay.

 

We would also ask that you maintain close contact with your warden and, again, follow international and local news broadcasts.

 

If this office can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at (021) 525-0709 (telephone) or by fax at (021) 571-2251. Emergency assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

 

 

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

 

 

Gary J. Smith

Ambassador

 

 

 

 

CANADIAN CONSULATE SURABAYA

Maspion Group Blg., 3rd Fl. Ph: (62-31) 344-330

Jl. Kembang Jepun 38 – 40 Fax: (62-31) 344-331

Surabaya 60162 E-mail: [email protected]

 

 

EAST JAVA WARDEN

Mr. Dale Ibsen

 

Home Ph: (031) 372-4429

Office/fax ph: (031) 568-2310

 

E-mail: [email protected]

 

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