Remarks by the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Mr. Sugeng Rahardjo, on the Occasion of the Handing Over of the Humanitarian Assistance from the Government of the Republic of South Africa to the Earthquake's victims in Yogyakarta, Pretoria, 21 July 2006

Her Excellency Deputy Minister Sue van der Merwe,

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

First of all, allow me on behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Indonesia to extend our sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Government and the people of the Republic of South Africa, for the humanitarian assistance rendered to victims of the recent earthquake near the ancient city of Yogyakarta in Central Java. Such generous assistance is a clear reflection of a close bilateral relationship that exists between our two countries - truly it puts into context the old saying of "a friend in need is a friend indeed".

Secondly, this tragedy has been a humbling experience to both governments and societies alike. It proves once again that humanity is frail and vulnerable to the forces of our natural environment. And it proves that no nation can survive alone. Because we are all vulnerable as human beings, we must reach out to one another and join hands in tackling the miseries of the human condition today as well as the challenges of our common, long-term survival.

Hence, we very much treasure any form of solidarity to the victims of natural disasters. We have seen our shared humanity without regard to race, nationality or religion. In a broader perspective, I trust that by working together habitually in the spirit of solidarity, we secure ourselves not only from the fury of natural disasters but also from the folly of human conflict. That, in the long term, is the only way the human race can survive.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Finally, I wish again to extend my government's appreciation to the generous assistance made by the Government and the people of the Republic of South Africa to Central Java's earthquake victims. We will never forget the act of solidarity and compassion demonstrated by the Government and the people of the Republic of South Africa in this time of difficulty and recent disaster.

In our turn, the Indonesian Government will ensure that the assistance will be disbursed to the victims appropriately, and it will be dedicated to the reconstruction and rehabilitation stages. Rest assured of the Indonesian Government's accountability on the disbursement process, something that the international community have acclaimed in the reconstruction of Aceh post-tsunami.

Thank you,

ISSUED BY: EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA

PRETORIA

21 July