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.