US missions in Indonesia closed on today

The United States is closing all its diplomatic missions in Indonesia today, citing security reasons, ahead of demonstrations over a controversial film that might be held in front of US facilities.

The missions are located in several cities around the country: the US Embassy in Jakarta, the US Consulate General in Surabaya, the American Presence Post in Medan, the US Consular Agency in Bali and the US Mission to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), also in Jakarta.

In a statement sent to The Jakarta Post yesterday, it cited "... the potential for significant demonstrations that might be held in front of these facilities".

The US has also urged its citizens to avoid large crowds and other gatherings that may turn violent. US citizens living and travelling in Indonesia have been encouraged to enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrolment Programme and to update their contact information with either the US Embassy in Jakarta or any of the US consulates — in Bali, Medan or Surabaya — as mentioned above.-Asia News Network (September 21, 2012)