U.S. EMBASSY WARDEN MESSAGE

U.S. Embassy Jakarta
U.S. Consulate General Surabaya
U.S. Consulate Medan
June 3, 2008

There have been several purse snatchings throughout Jakarta in recent weeks. The thefts have occurred during the day in crowded areas of the city including malls, markets, and restaurants, and the victims were usually women. Gangs of both men and women work together to scope out potential victims and distract them while attempting to steal their purse or items inside the purse.  Here are a few tips on how to safeguard personal property when out in the city:

*       Always keep your bag zipped or locked and the clasps facing your body when walking.
*       Always keep a hand on your bag. Instead of setting it on a chair at a restaurant, keep it in your lap or between your feet under the table.
*       Be aware of your surroundings. Trust your instincts if you are approached and it feels suspicious.
*       Know where the security personnel are standing.
*       Don’t be afraid of making a lot of noise or creating a scene if you do see yourself or someone else being robbed.
*       Don’t keep a lot of money or valuable items in your purse when you are out.
*       Notify American Citizen Service (ACS) in the US Embassy immediately if you are the victim of a robbery. ACS can be reached at 3435-9055.

Please share these tips with your family members and members of household.  Vigilance and awareness of your surrounding are the best measures you can take against theft.

Consular contacts:

Tel. + 62 (21) 3435-9054 or 9055
Fax. + 62 (21) 385-7189
Internet: http://jakarta.usembassy.gov
E-mail: jakartaacs@state.gov

Americans living and traveling in Indonesia are urged to register and update their contact information with the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya, or U.S. Consular Agency in Bali.  Registration facilitates the U.S. Mission’s contact with Americans in emergency situations, and may be done on line and in advance of travel.  Information on registering can be found at the U.S. Department of State’s Consular Affairs website at http://travelregistration.state.gov and at the Embassy’s website at http://jakarta.usembassy.gov.  All Travel Warnings, Public Announcements and recent warden messages are posted on the Embassy website.

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings, and health-information resources can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The Embassy is located at Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan No. 4-5, Jakarta; the 24-hour telephone number is 62-21-3435-9000.  The telephone number of the U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya is 62-31-295-6400; the number for the U.S. Consulate in Medan is 62-61-415-2200; the number for the U.S. Consular Agency in Bali is 62-361-233-605.