Condolences pour in for quake victims
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Presidents, prime ministers, kings and queens from around the globe offered the Aceh tsunami victims their heartfelt sympathies and pledged aid and assistance to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
Copies of condolence letters and offers of help sent to Susilo were made available to The Jakarta Post on Tuesday by a range of embassies in Jakarta.
On behalf of the European Union (EU) and the Netherlands, the Dutch Queen Beatrix and Prime Minister Balkenende extended their heartfelt sympathies to the victims and relatives of those affected.
"The EU stands ready to assist in every way possible to alleviate the sad plight of the victims. To that end it has activated its Monitoring and Information Center in Brussels to coordinate the rescue and relief efforts from the European Union," the Queen and Prime Minister said in a declaration.
Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi offered on Monday victims' families his condolences through a letter sent to Susilo.
Japan announced on Tuesday assistance of US$1.87 million to Indonesian victims.
The U.S. Embassy in Jakarta said on Tuesday that Washington has provided an initial $100,000 to the Indonesian Red Cross for immediate relief activities. The U.S. is planning to give another $2 million to the Red Cross.
Meanwhile, British aid minister Gareth Thames telephoned Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda on Tuesday to convey condolences on behalf of the British government and Foreign Secretary Jack Straw.
"We are ready to respond to the need to help Indonesian people in Aceh by sending two British humanitarian aid advisers immediately to coordinate our response," Thames said.
Indonesia's neighbor India, which is also a victim of the tragedy, conveyed its deep sympathies to the victims' families.
"Our sympathies are with the families who have lost their near and dear ones. We pray to the Almighty to give them strength to withstand this difficult period with courage," Indian President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam said in a letter sent to Susilo.
"The Government of India stands ready to provide any assistance that you may require," Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said in a separate letter sent to Susilo.
The Chinese Embassy said on Tuesday that Chinese President Hu Jintao and Prime Minister Wen Jiabao had sent a message to Susilo.
"The two Chinese leaders extended deep condolences to the Indonesian President and, through President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, to the families," the Embassy said.
China has donated $600,000 worth of blankets, tents and food to the victims.
Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi and Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi also conveyed similar message to Susilo.
"In the spirit of friendship and collaboration that unite our two countries, the Italy is very close to and supportive of Indonesian people in this tragic moment," President Ciampi said.
"I promptly gave instructions to stand ready and contribute to the relieve of the population affected. Italy is close to you and to your country in this tragic moment of sorrow," Berlusconi said in a letter sent to Susilo.
Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin also expressed on Sunday his sympathy and support to the quake-hit countries including Indonesia.
"On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to express my deep sympathy and condolences to those affected. We extend our thoughts and prayers to all the victims, their families, and others hit by this terrible disaster," Martin said.
A powerful earthquake measuring on 9.0 on the Richter scale and deadly tsunamis struck Indonesia's two northern provinces -- Aceh and North Sumatra -- and killed more than 15,000 people. The death toll may rise further as scores of villages, towns are still cut off from the outside world.