Jakarta Bomb Blast
Departmental donation to Red Cross Jakarta Bombing Fund
Contributions from staff for the victims of the Jakarta Embassy bombing totalling $9,137 were collected following an appeal launched by the Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
On 18 October 2004, a cheque for this amount was presented to Mr Ian Rentsch, Executive Director of the Australian Red Cross (right), by Mr Ian Kemish, First Assistance Secretary, South and South-East Asia Division (left) on behalf of the officers from the Department. The cheque complements donations made directly to Red Cross by officers at the Australian Embassy in Jakarta and the $1 million announced by the Prime Minister immediately following the attack.
Mr Kemish, on behalf of DFAT staff, noted the deep sympathy of DFAT staff for the victims and their families and said it was our sincere hope that proceeds from the fund would help them in their recovery from this shocking act. Mr Rentsch welcomed the cheque and thanked DFAT staff for their generosity.
General information
An explosion, caused by a car bomb, occurred outside the Australian Embassy in Jakarta at approximately 10.25 am Jakarta time (1.25 pm AEST) on 9 September 2004.
We condemn this vicious bomb attack unconditionally and our deepest sympathies go to all those who have lost loved ones and the injured. Australia is ready to provide any necessary medical assistance required by Indonesia to treat the victims of this crime. We will provide the maximum possible cooperation to track down those responsible.
There were ten fatalities outside the Embassy, including two Embassy contractors - a guard and a gardener. Around 150 were injured, including 36 seriously.
Assistance to victims
The Australian Prime Minister, Mr Howard, spoke to President Megawati Soekarnoputri (Indonesia’s President at the time of the explosion) and announced a fund for the families of Indonesian victims.
The Australian Government has contributed $1 million to assist those affected by the bombing. The Australian Red Cross is working with AusAID and the Indonesian Red Cross to implement the assistance program.
The fund will provide:
- medical assistance for those injured
- support and trauma services for the victims and their families
- financial and other livelihood assistance for affected families; and
- support to strengthen the emergency response and disaster preparedness capacity of Indonesian emergency services and support organisations.
The fund is open for public donation. Donations can be made at www.redcross.org.au or by calling 1800 811 700. All donations over $2 are tax deductible
Foreign Minister
The Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, accompanied by AFP Commissioner Keelty and other AFP officers arrived in Jakarta late on the evening of 9 September. Mr Downer visited the bomb site and met representatives of the Indonesian Government. (Refer below for interview transcripts.)
Cooperation with Indonesia
The Indonesian Government has indicated that Indonesia would fully cooperate with Australia. We appreciated the early visit to the bomb site by Indonesia’s President and its Minister for Foreign Affairs, other ministers and the Chief of Police. Australia and Indonesia have an excellent record of cooperation against terrorism, and our respective police forces are working together closely to investigate the bombing as we did with the Bali and Marriott bombings.
In July 2004, Australia announced a contribution of $36.8 million over five years to the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation.
AFP Cooperation
The Australian Federal Police deployed a response team to assist Indonesian authorities with the aftermath of the explosion and subsequent investigations. Those resources were deployed in support of and in accordance with the operational needs of the Indonesian National Police.
International Response
We deeply appreciate the many expressions of sympathy and support from the international community, including heads of government, other leaders and the UN Secretary-General.
Additional information
Press conferences and interviews by the Foreign Minister
- 11 September: Joint Press Conference with the Prime Minister and The Foreign Minister
- 10 September: Joint Press Conference with Foreign Minister Downer, Mr Kevin Rudd, Opposition Spokesman for Foreign Affairs, Commissioner Keelty and Ambassador Ritchie in Jakarta on Friday, 10 September 2004 at 12 noon, Borobudur Hotel.
- 10 September: Doorstop interview at the Australian Embassy, Jakarta
- 10 September: Interview with John Laws - Radio 2UE
- 9 September: Press Conference held at the Borobudur Hotel, Jakarta, Indonesia, 11.15pm.
- 9 September: Joint Press Conference with the Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police, Mick Keelty - prior to departing for Jakarta.
- 9 September: Doorstop Adelaide
On 24 September a Jakarta Memorial Event was held in Canberra to pay tribute to those who lost their lives or were injured as a result of the bomb blast outside the Australian Embassy.
Travel Advice
People who are considering travel to Indonesia should refer to the Government's Travel Advice for Indonesia.
Local Date: Wednesday, 10 February 2010 09:49:01 AM