23 Aug 2018 | 09:54 AM UTC
Indonesia: Security increased at Australian Consulate in Surabaya after threats
Extra security measures implemented at Australian Consulate in Surabaya August 23 following explicit threats on a social media
Event
Extra security measures were implemented at the Australian Consulate in Surabaya - Indonesia's second largest city and the capital of East Java - on Thursday, August 23, following a threat posted by Islamist militants on social media. The message called on individuals to kill officials working at the consulate. Australia opened the consulate earlier in August. In May 2018, a series of attacks, including several suicide bombings in Surabaya claimed by Islamic State (IS) militants, killed dozens of people; these were the deadliest attacks in the country in a decade. Australian authorities have warned travelers to "exercise a high degree of caution" in Indonesia.
Context
Indonesia is currently hosting a major regional sport competition - the Asian Games - in Jakarta and Pelambang; some 100,000 military and police officers have been deployed to secure the event.
Advice
Individuals in Indonesia are advised to report any suspicious objects or behavior and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities. As a precautionary measure, avoid nonessential visits to the Australian Consulate in Surabaya until further notice.
