[Acknowledgments omitted]
Twenty years ago today, an appalling terrorist attack took place outside the Australian Embassy in Jakarta.
An attack that took the lives of 10 people, including 3 locally contracted staff at our mission, and injured 200 others.
Today we remember and we honour all those who lost their lives. Today we reflect on the enduring loss and pain caused by this awful event.
I know how that loss and pain is felt deeply among so many of you here today, and by your colleagues in Jakarta.
I know that this public act of respect and honouring is filled with private grief.
We think of all those who survived the attack, and those who still live with the wounds, seen and unseen.
And we think of all those who lost loved ones.
We also recognise our locally engaged colleagues at the embassy, many of whom were working that day and are still with the mission.
We are grateful for their service, we honour their commitment, and we acknowledge the pain and grief that so many of them carry as survivors.
We remember again the extraordinary efforts which followed the bombing. As Michelle said ordinary souls asked to that which is extraordinary.
Friends and colleagues working selflessly to help victims, to care for those in hospitals, to support families in awful circumstances.
So many continue to care for those who still cope with the physical, mental and emotional toll.
Supported by organisations in Indonesia like Aisyiyah, the women’s wing of Muhammadiyah.
As Foreign Minister I would say those who represent our nation so often demonstrate their courage of commitment.
Never more so than in those tragic and difficult days.
Friends and colleagues who are among us who know what that has meant.
The terrorists sought to divide Australia and Indonesia that day.
To break the bonds between our people and governments.
To intimidate us.
But they failed.
Indonesians and Australians instead turned towards each other.
Instead of being driven apart, we came together as friends and partners.
United in a shared resolve to defeat terror and its desolate mission.
Our diplomats, our police officers, our militaries and security officials now work more closely than ever to counter the threat of violent extremism.
And the partnership and deep friendship between our countries and our peoples continue to grow.
Today we remember and honour those we lost and pay tribute.
And we acknowledge the many survivors who carry the burden of that awful day, including so many here today.
And on this hard day I say to you we hold you in our hearts, and we stand with you.
Media note – .
