A message of solidarity

A message of solidarity

It is a well known fact that Bali is a popular holiday
destination among Australians, given the island's relatively
short distance from Australia's major cities. As a result of
continuous marketing efforts, Bali has become host to
increasingly greater numbers of Australians. Clearly, Bali is a
major building block in Indonesian-Australian bilateral
relations.

Sadly, the majority of the almost 200 fatalities in Saturday
night's bombing in Bali were Australians. It is appropriate and
in accordance with our cultural heritage that the Indonesian
government should send no less a person than Vice President
Hamzah Haz to Canberra to convey Indonesia's feelings of grief
and solidarity to the people of Australia, through Prime Minister
John Howard.

In fateful moments such as the present, we must be prompt and
unwavering in conveying the high value we place on Australia as
our close neighbor.