Aussies in Indonesia warned
AUSTRALIANS holidaying in Indonesia have been warned of the heightened risk of terrorist attacks after a spate of suicide bombings ripped through churches and a police headquarters in the country’s second-largest city.
Surabaya is reeling after a car bomb exploded at a police headquarters yesterday, after a family of six blew themselves up on Sunday, killing 13 and wounding 40 Christians attending services at three churches. The Muslim fasting month of Ramadan kicks off today, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s travel advice urges people to exercise a high degree of cau- tion amid an increasing threat of further attacks.
One million Australians travel to Indonesia every year.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull condemned the attacks and expressed his condolences.
“Our heart goes out to all of the victims of those attacks and the people of Indonesia know that they have our utmost solidarity in the battle against terrorism,” Mr Turnbull said.
“It almost beggars belief; the brutality, the barbarity, the inhumanity, the blasphemy of these terrorists.”
He has written to Indonesian President Joko Widodo to express heartfelt sympathy.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said Australia will continue to work closely with the Indonesian government and law enforcement agencies to help foil future terror plots.
“We condemn these cowardly attacks” she said.
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