NZ premier Clark shuns Indonesian warning
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They crop up with no global consistency. Nations protecting their citizens would rather be safe than sorry, while overreaction could sound like crying wolf.
But when a national leader ignores a red flag one day after its raising, cynics crack grins while travellers’ heads spin. On Sunday Australia upgraded it Indonesian advisory to “high risk”, warning of an imminent terrorist attack.
The next day, New Zealand PM Helen Clark announced a trip to Jakarta. Clark has yet to visit her Indonesia counterpart, and many wonder, why now?
According to the New Zealand Herald, Clark was asked whether she had reviewed her security or considered delaying her trip. She said, no, and admitted she had not seen exactly what Howard said, noting that the two country’s warnings on Indonesia were comparable.
In an interview with NewstalkZB Auckland, Asian expert Prof Tim Behrend said a possible tie-in with Southeast Asia terrorist group Jemaah Islamiah, the London and Glasgow bombing attempts and Brisbane’s detention of Indian doctor Mohammed Haneef may have triggered Canberra’s reaction.
The academic said he believes visiting Miami is more dangerous than part of Indonesia, and plays down the concern stating New Zealanders should go and have fun.
UK travellers keep moving in spite of their imminent threat and warnings from Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong. The US’ six-year imminent threat is of less concern than immigration hassles. Clark doesn’t listen to her own advice. What should travellers believe?
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