Travel Warnings for Krui and Tanjung Setia area
Theft increases at isolated beaches
Theft has always been a big issue in the Krui area but 2024 saw a large increase at the more isolated beaches Biha, Way Jambu, Mandiri, Ngambur and Lintik.
Visiting foreign tourists foolish enough to leave valuables in their scooter lost phones, cameras, binoculars, cash and sunglasses. While longtime expat resident surfers where shocked to have their cheap t-shirts and flip-flops stolen on every surf session at Way Jambu.
The north end of Mandiri has become notorious for scooters having batteries and parts stripped off them in the short period of a surf session.
One unfortunate tourist had his gear stolen while his girlfriend sat watching the ocean only meters away from their scooter at Way Jambu.
Be warned it is now unsafe to leave anything in your locked
scooter compartment ... even that dirty old t-shirt is no longer safe.
Alice in Wonderland: A cautionary tale ...
You arrived in Tanjung Setia late in the evening and your now ready for your first morning on the coast of South Sumatra. You don your bikini that was so poular in Bali and do a quick inspection in the mirror ... l-o-o-k-i-n-g good. Outside your boyfriend waits on his motorcycle, a bare chested and bronzed surf warrior. Everything is new and exhilarating.
First stop refuel your scooter. Arriving at a small wooden stall selling fuel a young women greets you in traditional, long dress and hadjib. She asks where you are from USA, Australia, France? Smiles as she takes your money. You drive away feeling good and ready to explore.
What you are completely unaware of is: your very first interaction with the local people has reinforced the systemic belief amongst the locals that foreigners are disrespectful, arrogant, self centered and probably sexually permissive. Maybe you are a European prostitue from Bali?
There are now 2 young guys on a motorcycle following you and making obscene hand guestures. You suddenly don't feel safe turning onto that dirt track to the beach.
What went wrong?
Ignorance and insenstitivity for local customs or white privilage and neo-colonial tourism?
Tensions Rising in Indonesia
With the USA, UK, France and most wetsern nations directly engaged in or supporting Israel's war against the Muslims of Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen, Iran and Syria intolerance of bule
is once again on the rise in Indonesia.
Safety Tips
- Don't get into political or religious debates with the locals.
- Don't display support for Israel, USA, UK or France.
- USA, UK and French nationals might want to consider hiding their nationality while visiting Sumatra.
- Israeli nationals no matter their political views should probably avoid visiting Sumatra.