Indonesian terror attack "expected" for some time: Aust'n Foreign Minister

Australia's Foreign Minister has on Friday said that experts and authorities had fully expected an attack like the bombings which killed seven people in Jakarta on Thursday.

Julie Bishop told local media on Friday that the multiple blasts were part of a coordinated attack which had "been coming for some time", but said no Australians were hurt or killed in the blasts.

Two civilians were killed in the bombings, with five suicide bombers also found dead.

Bishop said a recently-signed counter-terrorism pact with Indonesia was formulated on the back of intelligence reports suggesting an attack was imminent in the Asia-Pacific region.

"We signed a further counter-terrorism agreement with Indonesia just recently in view of the fact there has been an expectation that an attack would take place in our part of the world at some time," Bishop told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on Friday.

"Experts have been expecting some type of attack at some point."

Islamic State (IS) moved quickly to claim the attacks on Thursday evening, confirming beliefs held by authorities that an IS terror cell was active in Indonesia.

At least six explosions rocked the Asian nation's capital, including one near a busy Starbucks coffee chain.

The news also prompted Bishop to warn Australians about the dangers of traveling to Indonesia, asking those with plans to visit Australia's closest neighbor - particularly areas outside of the tourist hot spot Bali - to reconsider their plans.

"The Australian Government absolutely condemns these horrific attacks in Jakarta, and I spoke with my Indonesian counterpart yesterday to convey that Australia stands with Indonesia at this shocking time and offering whatever support Indonesia may need in the investigation of these attacks," Bishop said in a statement late on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Australia's Attorney-General George Brandis released a statement saying that Australia was ready to assist Indonesia with police and intelligence assistance following the bombings.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull also condemned the attacks, taking to social media platform Twitter to express his condolences on the matter.

"Australians' thoughts, prayers and resolute solidarity are with the people of Indonesia as they respond to the terrorist attacks," he tweeted on Thursday evening. Endit