since Bin Ladin decreed all americans, either military or civilian, should be killed, how safe is it for a u.s. citizen to travel to malaysia or indonesia? has anyone any experience in these countries? i'm deciding whether to go this spring for a month and i'm wondering if i should choose a different destination or not?

If you are ethnic Chinese you might want to avoid Indonesia right now. Last I heard a Bin Laden guy was in India targeting the US (he was caught), but I have heard nothing about US citizens being targeted in Malaysia or Indonesia. Later this spring there are elections in Indonesia and so I would avoid the place then (check the dates) as they predict violence/unrest. You probably wouldn't be targeted, but could get caught in the crossfire. Bali is still no problem from what I have heard (Hindu) and tourism is down so prices should be good and negotiable

This message may be a bit late but anyway.... <BR>You'll be absolutely safe in Malaysia. Except from the usual annoyances like rude taxi drivers or unscrupulous shopkeepers (on occasions). <BR>Speaking of Bin Laden, his family is actually developing a prawn farm or some such like in the Northern state of Kedah (i think), However, the came out in the papers to stress that they have no connection with Osam (in case i got his name wrong.. he's the terrorist Bin Laden) & that the family have disowned him!!!

This may also be a bit late, but I have just returned from a month in peninsular Malaysia and had no problems whatsoever as an American. In fact, the Sunni Muslims in Malaysia want no association to these extremists and feel that they are a disgrace to the "true" Muslim beliefs. You may even find that the conservative society can be less aggressive that in some of the neighboring countries. The local economy is down so enjoy the shopping! <BR> Java in Indonesia may be a place to avoid for the time being due to political unrest, but Bali has been generally unaffected. In Bali, be careful as always when dealing with taxi drivers and vendors as they WILL try to cheat you, so bargain hard. <BR>

Early warnings!

There are reports of Indonesians in Jakarta extorting $ and threatening harm to Malaysians and Singaporeans because of the (malaysian govt's) jailing and caning of illegal Indonesian workers.SO watch out if you are chinese.As for Americans or its allies(British, jew, etc) I suggest you do not go to Indonesia(excep Bali)or Southern Phillipines as there are extremist muslims who really hate the US esp now with their planned action agst Iraq. Two christian (filipino) priests wre beheaded last week in Southern Phiilipines. Malaysia is safe but if you can, try to avoid Kelantan, Trengganu and eastern Sabah (Pulau Sipadan).

Okay, what happens if you are a chinese undoubtedly from the U.S.? I've been getting the "No, you'll be fine...they know the difference" but will I be getting harrassed?

If they want to extort you they'll find any excuse to. If you're american they will say becos your country is attacking their muslim brothers. Having said that not all parts of Indonesia are like that. It's just that there is heightened tension betw Indonesia and M'sia & Singapore right now. And agst america since the IMF(seen as a US puppet) went to "bail out" Indonesia causing widespread poverty.