Indonesia is very grateful and overwhelmed by the generosity of the Government of Australia that has decided to provide an additional $1 million in emergency relief following the earthquake that hit the Island of Nias in North Sumatra on 28 March 2005.

As part of the immediate emergency relief, the HMAS Kanimbla has been diverted to Nias to set up a field hospital and two Hercules carrying medical supplies will be sent and scheduled to reach Nias tomorrow.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has decided to personally take charge of the situation and hence postponed his visit to Australia previously scheduled on 30 March-2 April 2005. The two governments are closely consulting each other to decide on the new schedule of the presidential visit.

 

Canberra, 29 March 2005