MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Smith
Today I visited Padang, in West Sumatra, to view Australia's recovery and reconstruction support following the recent deadly earthquakes.
I saw the devastation caused by the earthquakes that hit Padang on 30 September and 1 October, killing over 1,100 people and destroying thousands of buildings.
Today I witnessed the hard work that has gone into Australia's recovery and reconstruction response following the disaster.
I visited an Australian water purification plant that is providing essential clean water to affected communities.
By helicopter I saw Tandikat, one of the worst affected areas, where Australia is helping to rebuild schools and bridges and is carrying out irrigation canal clearance.
I also saw the Australian field hospital in Seigeringging village, north of Padang, where Australian medical and health specialists are treating the injured.
I spoke with the Governor and Vice-Governor of West Sumatra, who assured me that Australia's support has been both timely and effective. I underlined Australia's long-term commitment to working with Indonesia on disaster management.
Last week I announced a $12 million package to help the people of Sumatra, including $10 million to help rebuild schools and public health facilities.
My visit to Padang followed my visit to Jakarta with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on Tuesday, 20 October to attend the inauguration of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono for a second five year-term.
Our visit to Jakarta underscored the importance of the relationship between Australia and Indonesia. Together with the Prime Minister, I met President Yudhoyono and Vice-President Boediono. I also met Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda.
The Prime Minister and I also met other regional leaders attending President Yudhoyono's inauguration, including Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Seri Najib Tun Razak and Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Anifah Aman, and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
I was also pleased to see my Foreign Ministerial counterparts from Brunei, East Timor, the Philippines and Thailand at the inauguration.