Indonesian Embassy in France Urges Citizens to Exercise Caution

  London (Antara Bali) - The Indonesian Embassy in France has urged Indonesian citizens in the country to remain cautious while visiting media offices, shopping centers, and other public places.

        Political Attaché at Indonesian Embassy in France Minister Consular Arifi Saiman informed Antara here on Wednesday evening that the notice was issued following the terrorist attack on Charlie Hebdo media office in Paris.

        The attaché also urged parents to monitor their children's whereabouts for their safety.

        Arifi said the people should remain cautious while visiting houses of worship, tourism spots, and other places and also while using public transportation facilities.

        The Embassy in Paris has also coordinated with the local police to find out whether there were any Indonesian victims of the incident.

        "Alhamdulillah, there is no Indonesian casualty," Arifi stated.

        The French government has declared the highest security threat level status for Ile-de-France (Paris and its surrounding areas).

        The Indonesian Embassy has also provided emergency hotline numbers: +33(0)145030760 (fixed line) and +33(0)621122109 (mobile) for round-the-clock service.

        An Indonesian student in Paris Ade Kadarisman suggested that Indonesian citizens should avoid visiting Elysees and the surrounding areas.

        According to Ade, the situation in Paris on Wednesday evening was tense after the attack on the media office, which claimed 12 lives.

        Ade has also advised Indonesian students to stay away from locations in District 11 (11 eme arrondisement) area and public places, and to always keep track of information provided by the Indonesian Embassy.

        Ade has also appealed to Indonesian students to remain calm, cautious, and to not overreact during the next few days.

        At least 12 people died, including several journalists and a police officer, during a firefight in Charlie Hebdo office on Wednesday, at 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. CET. Former president Sarkozy has declared the incident as a "national tragedy." (WDY)