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Aceh Tsunami Victims Demand Apology from Tony Abbott
Aceh Tsunami Victims Demand Apology from Tony Abbott
BANDA ACEH ~
A community of tsunami victims in Aceh Barat district, Aceh, has insisted that Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott apologize to Indonesians, especially to the victims of the tsunami that hit the province in 2004.
“The Australian prime minister should apologize to the victims of the tsunami in Aceh. We will continue to raise funds to return the financial aid given by Australia to the victims of the tsunami in Aceh in 2004,” one of the victims of the disaster, Rahmad Ojer, said here on Monday.
He made the statement on the sidelines of a coin collection event of the local community in Meulaboh, West Aceh district.
The campaign is a sign of the Aceh tsunami victims’ disappointment for having accepted the rehabilitation and reconstruction aid from Australia after the tsunami in 2004.
Those in West Aceh who were affected by the disaster expressed regret for having received assistance from the (Australian government), Ojer pointed out.
The aid from Australia included used clothing, educational facilities such as books and stationery for schoolchildren, and tents, among other items, he noted.
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott had recently asked for the cancellation of the execution of two Australian drug convicts in exchange for Australia’s aid to Indonesia following the tsunami.
The coin collection campaign is a symbol marking the disapproval of Indonesians over the Australian prime minister’s statement. In response to his remarks, Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno L. P. Marsudi had said that Indonesia understood the Australian government’s concern over the imminent execution of its two citizens.
However, she emphasized that the executions were part of Indonesia’s law enforcement process and were not aimed at any particular nationality.
Prime Minister Abbott, as quoted by the Australian media, has urged Indonesia to not forget the aid that the Australian government had given to the victims of the Aceh tsunami, and in view of that, he hoped that Indonesia will reciprocate the gesture by cancelling the execution of the two Australian nationals, who were members of the Bali Nine drug ring.
On April 17, 2005, the two Australians were caught in Bali trying to smuggle out 8.3 kilograms of heroin worth some Rp40 billion to Australia.
6 Comments
On behalf of some Australian people, I apologise, but I am not a politician. Now, can we have the money back please?
Typical, obviously you people need to have a good look at yourselves, if anyone owes an apology its that heartless fool of a “policeman” posing with a comdemned prisoner. Aweful people.
Indonesia buys pack its nationals from death row, australia has certainly paid for its nationals. These young men made amistake and have now rehabilitated and are doing more alive in helping those in prison. Let them continue the good work.
Over the years Australia, has helped Indonesia in several way including foreign aid (from Australian tax payers). Below is only the past three years
2014/15 Budget Estimate: $605.3 million
2013/14 : $581.0 million
2012–2013 $541.6 million
There are many reason for this however essentially it is the right thing to do.
Now is the opportunity for Indonesia to do the right thing. Find a way to put an end to the multiple pending executions that have become such a bazaar circus.
The world is watching…and hoping.
How about instead of demanding an apology from us for helping you out, you give us some thanks and do something to return the favour. If refuse our begging for mercy to spare those 2 boys, give us back all of the billions of dollars we have given you. Don’t further insult us by collecting coins, start collecting large notes and gold! Your coin collecting is just as pathetic as your need for us.
Australia is a generous nation and the world knows that!
There is no need for an apology as there was no offence intended. Just a reminder.
We love to help people.
Our Prime Minister the Honorurable Tony Abbott was reminding everyone that we have been “friends” in times of need and used the Tsunami event as an example and he simply asked if the lives of two Australians could please be spared. There was nothing threatening or disrespectful in what he said.