A Bali travel warning has been issued to Australians ahead of Indonesia's presidential election
Australian travelers are being warned to exercise great caution as near neighbor Indonesia, the world's third-largest democracy, goes to the polls next week in a high-stakes election.
Smart Traveller, the Australian government's advisory service, said on Monday there were likely to be “regular political rallies and possible protests” ahead of Election Day, when more than 200 million Indonesians will vote for their next president.
“Expect traffic delays and limited access to locations if protests occur. “Avoid protests and demonstrations and monitor local media for the latest updates,” the advice reads.
Australian travelers are being warned to exercise great caution as near neighbor Indonesia, the world's third-largest democracy, goes to the polls next week in a high-stakes election. People are seen on Kuta beach in Bali
The elections, a three-way race between former Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan, former military general Prabowo Subianto and former Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo, will take place on Wednesday, February 14.
Noisy political rallies are a normal part of life in Indonesia, a country of about 270 million people, and tens of thousands of supporters can gather in stadiums to cheer on their favorite candidate.
The new warning adds to the overall risk assessment of 'exercise very cautious' for the country, which sees Bali, one of Australia's most popular travel destinations, as its main draw for tourists.
In addition to the elections, the government is advising Australian travelers to be aware of possible terror attacks and the country's many active volcanoes, which can erupt without warning.
Presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo campaigns in Jakarta
Soldiers from the Iskandar Muda military command take part in a roll call ceremony in Banda Aceh on February 1, ahead of Indonesia's presidential and parliamentary elections. AFP
The government is also advising Australians to reconsider their need to travel to Papua provinces due to ongoing separatist activity.
“There have been tensions, including demonstrations and violence, in recent years in certain cities in the provinces of Papua, Papua Pegunungan, Papua Tengah and Papua Selatan,” the government said.
“Armed groups have said they are targeting foreign nationals, including Australians.”
But Indonesia continues to attract millions of Australian travelers every year with its intoxicating mix of cultural prowess, natural beauty and affordability.
According to data from Bupa Travel Insurance, the tropical getaway was the number one travel destination for Australians in 2023, followed by the United States and New Zealand.