Personal Security Awareness During Ramadan

This is to serve as a reminder to all U.S. citizens in Indonesia that traffic accidents and incidents of crime tend to increase during the month of Ramadan and the subsequent Idul Fitri holiday period.

Please keep the following points in mind:

• Practice good situational awareness; remain actively aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded streets and shopping areas.

• Vary your routes and times so as not to be time or place predictable.

• Always carry a cell phone as a means of communication.

• Do not flash money or jewelry, especially if alone; only use ATMs in well-lit areas or in major hotels, malls, or banks.

• Avoid demonstrations or large gatherings, since even demonstrations or marches designed to be peaceful can become violent quickly.

• Stick to reputable taxi companies such as Bluebird Group or Express, since using local buses, “angkot” (i.e., minibus or van buses), or “bajaj” (i.e., local tuk-tuks) leaves you more vulnerable to crime.

• Carry a purse or backpack on or across your body and away from the curb when walking, to mitigate the threat of snatch-and-grab robberies by thieves on passing motorcycles/mopeds; walk with a buddy or in groups whenever possible.

• Do not leave bags unattended (e.g., under tables or on chairs) even briefly in malls or food courts, since thefts of wallets or other items is common; and beware of pickpockets in crowded malls or markets, near public transportation, on pedestrian overpasses, etc.

• If confronted by a criminal, surrender you purse and or wallet – money or possessions are not worth risking injury or worse.

• If actually attacked, make noise to draw attention (i.e., scream/yell, throw things) and fight back with physical aggression (only if you feel your life is in danger); never get into the motor vehicle of an assailant.

 

Reference:                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Overseas Security Advisory Council

If you should have any questions or concerns, or wish to request an update on a given situation in a foreign country do not hesitate to contact the following:

Rick Phillips                                                  Cody Cobb                                                                                                     (706) 886-9929 = direct                              (706) 225-2526 = direct                                                                                                              (706) 491-9888 = mobile                             (706) 491-5138 = mobile                                             rickphillips@jrphillips.com                          ccobb@jrphillips.com