Brits caught up in Bali CHAOS as deadly riots leave seven killed in violent street battles

British holidaymakersplanning trips to Bali have been hit with an urgent safety warning after violent riots erupted across Indonesia, leaving seven people dead and hundreds injured in the worst unrest the country has seen for years.

The Foreign Office has issued updated travel advice warning of the escalating risk of civil disorder and terror attacks, after furious street battles between police and protesters exploded across the sprawling archipelago.

The deadly chaos erupted when public anger over lavish new parliamentary perks reached boiling point, triggering mass demonstrations that have spread like wildfire from the capital Jakarta to cities across the nation. The news comes as an urgent text was sent to Brits heading on holiday from HM Passport Office.

Parliament buildings torched as violence spreads

Rampaging mobs have torched regional parliament buildings, launched widespread looting sprees and engaged in brutal clashes with security forces as the political crisis deepens.

The death toll continues to mount, with three people killed in Makassar after furious protesters set fire to a parliament building in scenes of utter devastation.

The violence escalated dramatically when ride-hailing driver Affan Kurniawan, 21, was run over and killed by a police vehicle in Jakarta - sparking nationwide outrage and fueling fresh waves of anti-government fury.

A student was also killed during violent clashes in Yogyakarta, while an elderly pedicab driver died after inhaling tear gas during confrontations in Solo, adding to the mounting human cost of the political turmoil.

Jakarta's health office has confirmed that a staggering 469 people have been injured since the violence began, with nearly 100 requiring hospital treatment for their wounds.

President orders crackdown as terror threat looms

President Prabowo Subianto admitted he was "shocked and disappointed" by the killing of Kurniawan but has ordered police and military forces to take the "firmest possible action" against rioters as the situation spirals out of control.

"There are signs of unlawful acts, even leading to treason and terrorism," he warned in an ominous statement that underscores the gravity of the crisis gripping the nation.

Rehayu Saraswati, a member of the ruling party, confessed the scale of the protests had caught the government completely off guard.

She told the BBC: "I don't think any of us saw this coming. It happened very, very quickly within a matter of days."

But she rejected claims the government had been tone deaf to public concerns, adding: "We understand that the situation is difficult, and that the economy has been quite, I would say, challenging for some people.

"The recently announced cuts to the parliamentary budget and allowances are a way to show that we are listening."

Molotov cocktails and snipers as military deployed

The violence has reached alarming levels, with demonstrators hurling Molotov cocktails and firecrackers at police lines in Bandung, while thousands more have taken to the streets across Sumatra, Java, Borneo and Sulawesi.

Soldiers have been deployed across Jakarta in scenes reminiscent of military rule, with snipers positioned in key strategic areas, checkpoints established throughout the city, and schools forced to close for safety reasons.

The United Nations has urged Indonesia to investigate claims of "disproportionate force" being used by police against protesters, highlighting international concern over the escalating crisis.

Protesters reject government concessions

Despite government attempts to calm the situation, protest leaders have dismissed the concessions - including scrapping the controversial allowance and banning overseas trips for MPs - as woefully inadequate.

Muzammil Ihsan, head of the country's biggest student group, delivered a defiant message: "The government must resolve deep-rooted problems.

"The anger on the streets is not without cause."

Political analysts have warned the unrest poses the first major test for Subianto's presidency and could severely shake investor confidence, with Indonesia's stock index already slumping more than three percent on Monday as markets reacted to the chaos.

Foreign Office issues urgent travel warning

The UK Foreign Office is now urging British holidaymakers to steer clear of protests and large gatherings, stressing that peaceful demonstrations can rapidly spiral into deadly violence.

In its updated travel advice, the FCDO warned: "Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Indonesia. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals.

"Potential targets can include beach resorts, hotels, bars and restaurants, markets and shopping malls, tourist attractions, places of worship, foreign embassies, polling stations, ferry terminals and airports."

Travelers are being told to maintain heightened vigilance during national holidays, religious festivals and elections, when the terror threat becomes even more severe.

Bali's existing dangers exposed

Beyond the current political unrest, Bali itself carries significant risks that many British tourists remain unaware of until it's too late.

Officials have highlighted disturbing reports of sexual assaults, drink spiking incidents, methanol poisoning from counterfeit alcohol, and aggressive bag-snatching in popular tourist hotspots.

Visitors are being advised to watch drinks being prepared at all times, avoid potentially lethal home-made spirits, and only purchase alcohol from properly licensed outlets to avoid poisoning.

The FCDO has also flagged the persistent threat of petty crime and sophisticated scams targeting unsuspecting tourists.

British visitors should carry only essential items, keep passports and bank cards secure at all times, and use only registered taxi services such as Bluebird, Silverbird or Express - while carefully checking drivers match app bookings.

Officials delivered a stark reminder that no international trip is completely risk-free, adding: "Read all advice carefully and ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance."