Indonesia: Tight security for Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan) June 25 /update 1

Indonesian security forces are on high alert over concerns of possible terrorist attacks in the coming days as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan comes to an end on Sunday, June 25. A counter-terrorism unit is on standby to ensure tight security, and are prepared to conducted preemptive strikes against militants planning attacks on Eid al-Fitr weekend and in the weeks ahead.

According to various Western intelligence security assessments, there is a high threat from terrorism in Indonesia. The National Police and the counter-terrorism unit have arrested dozens of individuals on terror charges across the country since the beginning of 2017 amid several attacks. Two suicide bombers who carried out an attack in East Jakarta on May 24 had ties to the Islamic State (IS) through the group Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD). Terrorist groups continue to plan attacks and have the capacity and intent to carry out these attacks at anytime and anywhere in the country.

Individuals in Indonesia are advised not to eat, drink or smoke in public by day in Muslim-majority areas during the month of Ramadan to avoid drawing undue attention to themselves. Travelers are also advised to allow additional time for travel and to avoid any form of public demonstration or public gathering.

Most Western government advised against nonessential travel to the eastern Indonesian provinces of Papua and West Papua, to Central Sulawesi province (especially Palu, Poso, and Tentena), and to Maluku province (especially Ambon), due to potential for violent conflict.