The Honorable Prime Minister of Australia,
Acting Leader of the Opposition,
Attorney General,
Chief of Navy,
Australia’s men and women in uniform and members of their family,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen

It is indeed a great honor for me, as the representative of Indonesia to address this occasion, welcoming the return of HMAS Kanimbla and its crew to their base.

Welcoming HMAS Kanimbla home is a source of happiness and great satisfaction for all of us after she accomplished a difficult and challenging humanitarian mission in Aceh and Nias. At the same time, it is also a source of deep sadness to witness the Kanimbla returning wounded by the loss of nine of its crew in the Sea King helicopter crash last month in Nias, which also seriously injured another two.

As I’ve stated on various occasions, Indonesia shares this loss and we grieve with you. I pray that the bereaved families and friends will be given strength to continue without their loved ones, while cherishing their memories and carrying the torch they have passed on. I’ve the honor to meet in person some of them and I can sense that they’re very proud of what their loved-ones had done and at the same time determined to carry on their legacy.

Indonesia is privileged to bestow upon them and the two surviving members the ‘Satya Lancana Kebhaktian Sosial’ medal of honor, the first of its kind to be given to foreign nationals in our recent history.

I know you are proud of this ship. This ship has served its country well. We in Indonesia have been acquainted with its name and presence for a long time.

The HMAS Kanimbla represented her country’s finest values when she sailed and anchored in the waters of Aceh and Nias in support of the ADF’s contribution to Operation Sumatra Assist I and II. I can appreciate the pride of her members after representing their country and its best values overseas. I salute Kanimbla’s men and women, and I warmly congratulate its commanding officer, Commander George McGuire, for a job well done.

Allow me also to acknowledge and thank the family of Kanimbla’s crew and officers for their endurance, support, and prayers during the ship’s recent mission without which the results would have been different.

Thank you.