*EPF304 10/16/2002
Text: State Department Explains Warden Message for Indonesia
(Answer to question taken at Oct. 15 State Dept. briefing) (240)

The September 26 Warden Message sent to U.S. citizens in Indonesia was issued after a device exploded in a car traveling in the Menteng neighborhood of Jakarta September 23, the State Department said in response to a question taken at the October 15 daily press briefing.

Following are the texts of the taken question and answer, as released by the State Department October 15:

(begin text)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
October 15, 2002

Question Taken at October 15, 2002 Daily Press Briefing

September 26, 2002 Warden Message for Indonesia

Question: Was the September 26 Indonesia warden message linked to any particular report (which mentioned Bali) as asserted in today's Washington Post?

Answer: The September 26th Warden Message sent out to U.S. citizens in Indonesia by U.S. Embassy Jakarta was issued regarding an incident that occurred on September 23, 2002, when a device exploded in a car traveling in the Menteng residential neighborhood of Jakarta. It reminded U.S. citizens that they should exercise extreme caution and be extra vigilant regarding their security awareness and that U.S. citizens and Westerners should avoid large gatherings and locations known to cater primarily to a Western clientele such as certain bars, restaurants and tourist areas.

The Worldwide Caution Public Announcement of October 10, 2002, reminds U.S. citizens that terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets and that facilities where U.S. citizens are generally known to congregate or visit, such as clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools or outdoor recreation events, may be targeted.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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