Go to Bali at your own risk - Smith | NEWS.com.au
AUSTRALIANS should check official travel advice before deciding about travel to Bali ahead of the execution of the three bombers, Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said today.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) updated its travel advice for Indonesia on Friday, warning the imminent executions would compound an already significant terrorism risk.
It followed an Indonesian Government announcement that day that the executions will be carried out in early November.
Mr Smith would not be drawn today as to whether he would choose to take his family to the popular tourist island.
"I've never been to Bali for a holiday, I'm not proposing or am in a position to go on a holiday in the near future," Mr Smith said.
"I don't draw on my own personal activities or experiences to make foreign policy points.
"Australians when travelling overseas should read our travel advice."
The minister rejected suggestions the DFAT update on Friday was a "revised warning".
"Let's be very clear about this. Our travel advice for Indonesia and for Bali has been at the level it is at ... for some time," Mr Smith said.
"We have changed the commentary as events have unfolded in recent days as the Indonesian parties have indicated the timetable, the general timetable for the execution."
The DFAT travel advice says Australian authorities continue to receive information that attacks are being planned against Western targets and areas visited by foreigners.
"We advise you to reconsider your travel to Indonesia, including Bali ... due to the very high threat of terrorist attack," the warning reads.
The update followed Friday's announcement by Indonesia that three Islamic militants will be put before a firing squad and shot dead in early November for their roles in the 2002 Bali nightclub bombings.
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