LONDON (AFP, REUTERS) - United States Secretary of State John Kerry on Thursday (Jan 14) condemned the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-linked attacks in Jakarta, saying the group was merely inviting "its own destruction".

"There is nothing in any act of terror that offers anything but death," Kerry told journalists in London following a meeting with Saudi counterpart Adel al-Jubeir.

The US politician stressed that terror attacks would not "intimidate nation-states from protecting their citizens and continuing to provide real opportunity, education, jobs, possibilities of a future," and only strengthened resolve to defeat the group.

ISIS "have proven that they offer nothing, no alternative but their own destruction," he said.

"If that's the choice they leave us, we're going to do what's necessary," he added.

Five extremists launched Thursday's (Jan 14) assault in the heart of the Indonesian capital, detonating explosives and shooting at people in a district packed with malls, embassies and United Nations offices, killing at least two people.

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir added: "We condemn the terrorist attacks that occurred in Jakarta.

"If anything it should strengthen our resolve to work effectively together to combat the scourge of terrorism," he said.

The US Embassy in Jakarta said on Thursday (Jan 14) it will remain closed on Friday (Jan 15) as a precaution following the attack.

The embassy will remain open for emergency services, it said in a statement on its website. "Further incidents are possible. As the security situation remains fluid, US citizens are advised to avoid Sari Pan Pacific Hotel and Sarinah Plaza on Jalan Thamrin and defer all non-essential travel in the city," it said.