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As we mourn the death of 9 innocent individuals
and sympathize with the some 182 people wounded following
the powerful and deadly attack yesterday morning, I welcome
my colleague, Mr. Alexander Downer, Minister for Foreign
Affairs of Australia and Mr. Kevin Rudd, Shadow Foreign
Minister, as well as their accompanying delegation members.
I wish our meeting here today takes place
under better circumstances
However, your presence here in Jakarta
at these difficult moments is very much appreciated for
it underscores in no uncertain term our common position
in fighting the threat of terror. Over the recent years,
we have been able to count on Australia as a trusted and
reliable partner in combating this menace. Indeed, we have
expanded this solid bilateral cooperation to the wider region
by undertaking several concrete cooperative endeavors to
address the terrorist threat.
Twenty four hours since the deadly terrorist
attack yesterday, channels of communication at various levels
have been established between our two governments. Within
minutes following the attack, we were able to communicate
with the Australian Embassy officials in order to ascertain
their condition. Soon after, Mr. Downer and I were in contact.
At the highest level, talks between President Megawati Soekamoputri
and Prime Minister John Howard reflect the seriousness with
which the two Governments are responding to the attack.
Earlier this morning, Mr. Downer and his delegation was
able to meet the President. And we have just concluded a
meeting between the delegation and myself on the issue.
In connection with the just concluded meeting,
the Indonesian Government deeply appreciates Australia's
offer of cooperation and assistance in dealing with this
latest terrorist attack. This offer would, of course, build
on the existing cooperation between our two governments.
Above all, Indonesia appreciates the expression of condolence
by Australia for the victims of yesterday's bombing.
No doubt, through the latest attack the
terrorist aim to undermine Indonesia's resilience and determination.
No doubt also they aim to sow seeds of
division and discord among the Governments and Peoples of
the two countries.
In connection with the latter, I would
like to refer in particular to the ill-intention spreading
of rumor by certain irresponsible party about the so-called
expulsion of Indonesians from Australia following yesterday's
attack. Nothing can be further from the truth.
As a nation, Indonesia's resilience is
being tested yet again. But like before, we will pick ourselves
up and rise to the challenge. Democratic Indonesia is far
too resilient to succumb to the cowardly and heinous act
of the terrorists. Bilaterally, this latest attack has in
fact brought Indonesia and Australia even closer together.
Not just their governments, but their peoples who are united
in facing this common threat.
Yesterday's attack has caused severe material
damage. The Embassy of Greece in Jakarta was also damaged
as a result. Most importantly and beyond any material damage,
are the human losses. The numbers of casualties I cited
earlier are no mere numbers. They are innocent individuals
with families whose life are forever impacted. Hence I should
like to underline that while I welcome the Australian delegation
today, it must be understood that this is not a matter for
Indonesia and Australia alone. As I have said previously
the attack yesterday was an attack against all civilized
nations and peoples. We must gather all our collective energy
and efforts to combat this menace.
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