Honorable Senator Ellison,
        Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is indeed a distinct honor for me to welcome you, Senator Ellison, and our colleagues from the Australian Attorney General's Department, the Australian Federal Police, the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Insolvency and Trustee Service Australia as well as the media representatives at today's cheque presentation ceremony of the recovered proceeds of the money laundering crimes committed by the late Mr. Hendra Rahardja.

This ceremony is the result of a lengthy, diligent and consistent efforts by the Joint Task Force of Australia and Indonesia, and is yet another crystal-clear indication of a very close and productive cooperation by the authorities of our two countries in our commitment to combat trans-national crime, especially money laundering. For this achievement, allow me to extend my gratitude and deepest appreciation to the government of Australia and personally to you, Senator, and to all individuals involved in this joint effort.

I am also proud to advise you that this is the first ever concrete achievement of a bilateral treaty on mutual assistance in criminal matters which Indonesia has had with a number of countries. We believe that this achievement is just the beginning of our long journey in combating trans-national crime bilaterally. It should also set an exemplary example for the countries in the region, for a combination of money laundering and terrorism would be lethal to our common security.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Indonesia and Australia signed the Treaty on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters in October 1995 and it entered into force in July 1999. Furthermore, the two countries also signed the Extradition Treaty in April 1992 which came into force in January 1995. With regard to the Rahardja's case, I can assure you that it was one of the contributing factors to Indonesia's prolonged economic and financial crisis. It is therefore encouraging to witness that - for the first time - our governments have had the opportunity to implement the two treaties, I have previously alluded to, in solving the case.

It is understandable, however, that the monies recovered today are not significantly comparable to the amount stolen by the late Mr. Rahardja from the government and the people of Indonesia which amounted to approximately A$ one billion. Nevertheless, we see this as an encouraging development to move forward and to inform other money launderers that they now have a smaller playground to play with. And, it is only fitting for me to call on all Rahardja's family members and associates to come clean and surrender themselves to account for their heinous crimes. I can assure you that the Indonesian government will relentlessly pursue the case until after such an objective has been achieved.

To sum up, Senator, I feel confident that the Indonesian authorities with the full support from their Australian counterparts will attain more success in their efforts to locate and recover Rahardja's assets. I also believe that this success story will further enhance the already strong and close relations between Australia and Indonesia.

Thank you.

Canberra, 20 April 2004

Imron Cotan
Ambassador