On Wednesday 21 October Foreign Affairs Minister Stephen Smith visited Padang, West Sumatra to view Australia's emergency and reconstruction support following the recent deadly earthquakes.
While there, Mr Smith saw first-hand the courage and resilience of the survivors of the earthquake. He also saw the extensive damage it caused. The disaster left more than 1,000 people dead, 3,000 injured and tens of thousands of buildings damaged.
During his visit, Mr Smith met with the Governor, Vice Governor and Mayor of West Sumatra, and all thanked him for Australia's quick and effective response.
Australian and Indonesian officials have worked together closely on the ground in Padang following the earthquakes. Mr Smith praised how AusAID, the Australian Defence Force, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Indonesian military and local authorities have worked in close cooperation to help rebuild the communities affected. This has been an important part of Australia's response.
By helicopter Mr Smith saw Padang Pariaman District, one of the worst affected areas, where Australia is helping to rebuild schools and health facilities and clearing out irrigation canals so reconstruction can begin.
Mr Smith also visited an Australian water purification plant that is providing essential clean water to affected communities. Australia recently provided generators to help Padang's water supply system to return to normal.
During his visit, Mr Smith talked to the Vice Governor about Australia's long-term commitment to working with Indonesia to manage disasters. Mr Smith noted that Australia does not always get to work on easy issues with Indonesia and we cannot predict the timing, location or scale of disasters. But he said Australia would continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Indonesia in times of need and in the face of tragedy.
To date, Australia has committed more than $15 million for emergency, recovery and reconstruction to help the people of West Sumatra. This excludes the significant contribution made by the Australian Defence Force.