Citing the cooperation of Indonesian security authorities, the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta and Consulate General in Surabaya reopened Sept. 16, but because of ongoing threats Americans are urged to refrain from going to either facility unless it is absolutely necessary. In the troubled region of Aceh on the northwestern tip of Sumatra, two foreigners, an American and an Australian, have been detained by police for “misusing their tourist visas” because they allegedly were carrying materials supporting the local separatist movement. The incident underscores the risk in becoming politically active in sensitive areas.
