Is Indonesia dangerous for diving right now?

[johndetlefs]

It might seem a bit dramatic, but https://smartraveller.gov.au/countries/indonesia# is recommending reconsidering travel near West Papua.. which is a bummer as we've booked a 12 day live aboard around raja ampat in the next month or so.

Can anyone currently in the area give a better idea of the mood in the area at the moment.. overall is it safe for travellers right now?

PS: I'm not basing my decision to travel based solely on answers I receive in this thread, but I am after as much information as I can get.. thanks in advance!

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

I would go. Indonesia was my first big dive trip after being certified in 2001 ... we went about three weeks after 9/11, in fact. Just prior to leaving I received a letter from the State Department advising us not to go. And, of course, the day after we arrived the US started dropping bombs in Afghanistan. Americans were "encouraged" to leave the country. We chose to stay, and had an awesome time.

About 10 days into the trip the news started talking about anthrax being delivered to "targets" in the USA by mail. As with our own media, theirs blew the whole thing way out of proportion. But our Indonesian hosts were very concerned for our safety ... they encouraged us to postpone going home, and stay in Indonesia ... "where it's safe" ...

Oh, and FWIW ... I've done quite a few dive trips around the world these past 15 years. Raja Ampat is second only to the Red Sea on my list of all-time best. I'd encourage you to go ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[Centrals]

I would go without hesitation. But that is me.

 

[Wingy]

That smart traveller reconsider need to travel to West Papua advice has been in place for the last 4 - 5 years. It stems from unrest around the freeport mine area. Your raja ampat trip will be out of sorong (assuming) which is nowhere near the affected provinces so Id say go for it. Ive done 2 LOBs while that warning has been in place.

 

[ocdiver1]

It might seem a bit dramatic, but https://smartraveller.gov.au/countries/indonesia# is recommending reconsidering travel near West Papua.. which is a bummer as we've booked a 12 day live aboard around raja ampat in the next month or so.

Can anyone currently in the area give a better idea of the mood in the area at the moment.. overall is it safe for travellers right now?

PS: I'm not basing my decision to travel based solely on answers I receive in this thread, but I am after as much information as I can get.. thanks in advance!

 

[ocdiver1]

It might seem a bit dramatic, but https://smartraveller.gov.au/countries/indonesia# is recommending reconsidering travel near West Papua.. which is a bummer as we've booked a 12 day live aboard around raja ampat in the next month or so.

Can anyone currently in the area give a better idea of the mood in the area at the moment.. overall is it safe for travellers right now?

PS: I'm not basing my decision to travel based solely on answers I receive in this thread, but I am after as much information as I can get.. thanks in advance!

 

[ocdiver1]

Have been to Indonesia maybe 20 times, and have experienced no problems of any kind. Enjoy your trip and don't give it a moments thought

 

[Allison Finch]

I never worry about travel in Indonesia. Been there many times and just use good common sense. I just got back from a month in the Philippines. If I listened to the Gov. warnings.....I would never go out my front door.

Just stay observant and don't tempt fate by doing stupid things.

 

[tr3a]

I am going back to Indo in Oct. Not worried at all

 

[Cali_diver]

I will be there in February/March!!