JAKARTA (indo.com): The Australian government has excluded Bali from Indonesia's travel warning, effectively declaring Bali safe to travel for its citizens.

"Tourist services are operating normally on Bali, Bintan, Batam and Lombok," Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said in a travel advisory released on Thursday, October 25, 2001.

On further reviewing the situation in Indonesia, the Australian government has now downgraded its warning for Indonesia in general.

The travel advisory said that while demonstrations may continue in Indonesia in the coming weeks, at this time the intensity of protest has diminished. "The government no longer judges it necessary to advice Australians to consider deferring normal business or holiday travel to most parts of Indonesia, although continued vigilance is recommended," it said.

The Australian government also said all travel to Aceh, West Timor and Maluku and North Maluku provinces should be deferred until further notice. "Australians traveling to Irian Jaya, Central Java and Makasar should exercise caution and seek current information from the embassy prior to travel," it said.

Australians should register with and seek current information from the embassy, it concluded.