I would like to thank the Governor General, the Prime Minister and the government of Australia, the Leader of the Opposition and his shadow ministry, as well as individual Australians for the expressions of sympathy, condolence and offer of assistance that they have given  in response to the terrorist atrocity that took place in Bali on 1 October 2005.  The Australian government, along with governments all around the world, have joined President Yudhoyono in strongly condemning these barbaric attacks. All our thoughts are with the victims and their families.

President Yudhoyono has personally expressed his condolence to the families and friends of the innocent victims. His deepest sympathy goes to those who were injured and he will do his utmost to provide assistance for their speedy recovery. My President has stressed that Indonesia will not be intimidated by the attacks and Indonesia is determined to bring to justice those responsible.

In Bali, the people have reacted with stoicism and resilience. The Balinese have been through all this in the past and will do so again this time. Community leaders in Bali including the main religious leaders have been united in their condemnation of the attacks. The terrorists have shown their contempt for humanity by killing and injuring innocent people. Their values go against what all people of faith believe most deeply. They have shown that they have no mercy and that all they have to offer the world is hatred, violence and terror.

We will not allow ourselves to be terrorised nor allow the existing strong relations between our two countries to be shaken.

Once again may I thank the Australian government and their people for their sympathy and support at this time