TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The government of Indonesia has warned its nationals in Tunisia to remain alert and safe, as the Tunisian government declared a state of emergency on July 4 following a terrorist attack late June.
Hotel Riu Imperial Marhaba in the coastal city of Sousse in Tunisia witnessed a terrorist attack on June 26.
Spokesperson for the Foreign Affairs Ministry Arrmanatha Nasir said on Tuesday that the government does not have the right to ban its citizens from traveling to places they want to visit. Therefore, to minimize risks, citizens must report their arrival to the nearest Indonesian Embassy or consulate and remain alert themselves.
The ministry and the Indonesian Embassy in Tunis have also urged all Indonesians to take care of their fellow countrymen and to avoid public places that could be potential targets of attacks.
Moreover, the state of emergency allows the Tunisian government to restrict the migration of people to the country, including imposing curfew regulations. Therefore, the Indonesian government expects its nationals to keep in touch with the embassy in Tunis, which they can contact via phone at +216 24228888.
To those who intend to travel to Tunisia, the government advises them to consult with the Foreign Affairs Ministry or a travel agency prior to planning their itinerary.
For this purpose, the Foreign Affairs Ministry can be contacted at +62213441508, extension 4348, or on mobile at +6281296088000 (CP: Lukman Hakim Siregar). They can also email their enquiries to timteng@kemlu.go.id.
On June 26, a gunman opened fire at the beachfront Hotel Riu Imperial Marhaba in the coastal city of Sousse in Tunisia. At least 38 were killed in the attack, for which ISIS claimed responsibility.
The incident on Friday was the second deadly terrorist attack in Tunisia this year. Earlier, in March, a terrorist had shot dead 22 tourists at Bardo National Museum.
ANTARA
