In the wake of the Paris terror attacks, Indonesian expats in Victoria and Tasmania have been warned against “anything that happens as a negative effect of these events” by the Indonesian Embassy in Melbourne. In a Facebook post on the embassy’s page earlier this week, a message (translated from Bahasa) gives Indonesians the emergency services phone number as well as contact numbers for the consulate:
“On the matter of the impact of the terrorist attacks in Paris, France on Friday, November 13, 2015, the consulate is urging the Indonesian community in Victoria and Tasmania to remain calm but be cautious.
“The Consulate General in Melbourne has co-ordinated with relevant parties such as the police to discuss negative impacts that might arise from these events.
“We ask that the Indonesian community not get involved if they are provoked by irresponsible parties as a result of the incident (in Paris).
“If anything happens as a negative effect of these events, please call …”
It appears as though the consulate is warning expats against racist incidents or reactions from the Paris attacks. We contacted the embassy to ask why it felt this warning was necessary, but did not respond to our requests.
Why would any Embassy be interested? Apart from pastoral concern for its countryfolk, it can take note of such events in case it needs them diplomatically. Australia’s record is available to be used. China and India have done so, for example.