Travel to Indonesia's Aceh Province by Tsunami Aid Workers

Australians will be aware of the massive humanitarian aid effort underway in Aceh and North Sumatra to provide relief to the thousands of Indonesians affected by the 26 December tsunami.

The Government appreciates that some Australians may contemplate travel to Aceh to assist with humanitarian relief efforts for devastated communities.

Australians considering such travel should be aware that the supply line of the aid effort, particularly between Medan and Banda Aceh, is saturated. The overall success of the operation depends on coordinated delivery of supplies and careful placement of optimal numbers of appropriately skilled personnel to handle distribution of material, medical and counselling services and orphan support and relief.

In view of the logistical and infrastructure issues, compounded by the security situation on the ground, the Government advises that Australians should not travel to Banda Aceh or other parts of Aceh to participate in the humanitarian relief work unless under the auspices of a recognised aid organisation with facilities to accommodate and feed staff and a security plan approved by Indonesian authorities to ensure the safety and security of its personnel.

Australians wishing to work in Indonesia are reminded of the need to do so in consultation with and with the agreement of Indonesian authorities. While in Indonesia, they are at all times subject to the laws of that country.

It is timely to remind Australians that, in view of the security situation that existed even before the tsunami, the Government's general travel advice on Indonesia continues to recommend against travel to Aceh Province.

All Australians in Sumatra and Aceh should register with the Australian Embassy in Jakarta:

Australian Embassy
Jalan H R Rasuna Said Kav C 15-16
Jakarta Selatan 12940 Indonesia
Telephone +62 21 2550 5555
Facsimile +62 21 526 1690
Website http://www.austembjak.or.id/

Media Inquiries: Mr Downer's office 02 6277 7500 - DFAT Media Liaison 02 6261 1555