Remarks by the Indonesian Ambassador, Mr. Abdul Irsan, at the Disaster Relief Charity Concert for Great Sumatra Earthquake & Indian Ocean Tsunami
Chairman of NPO Meguro UNESCO Association,
Chairman of the Meguro International Friendship Association,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
A very good evening for all of you
First of all, let me express my gratitude to be among all of you who are participating in and attending this wonderful event, The Charity Concert to Assist Sufferers from Sumatra ? Andaman Island Earthquake / Tsunamis in Indian Ocean, which is organized by the NPO Meguro UNESCO Association and the Meguro International Friendship Association.
As you are well aware, Indonesia, together with some neighboring countries, are presently suffering from a catastrophic natural disaster that has shaken our spirit. All of us have seen extensive media coverage of the aftermath of the disaster, but I am sure that the people from the affected regions will testify that what we have seen on the television screen represents only a small fraction of the painful reality. What the victims actually went through truly staggers our imagination.
Let me speak for a moment about the assistance the victims in Indonesia, particularly in Aceh, have received in the time of need. The tragedy has in fact seen the entire nation reach out as one, and volunteers, funds and goods are being mobilized throughout the country. Let me say how proud we are of the response from the Indonesian people in the face of this adversity and how grateful we are for the assistance from abroad.
In spite of the devastation and grief it has exacted, the disaster is also teaching us precious lessons. One of the most inspiring being our deeper realization of the virtue of brotherhood, the value of unity and the power of cooperation.
Bearing this in mind, I would like to thank our friends in the international community. It is not possible to mention all those involved, but let me take this opportunity to express gratitude for the immediate response, assistance and generosity that we received from our friends in Japan. The Acehnese and Indonesian people will long remember the images of the government and people of Japan working with us to assist those in need.
And finally, I would like to thank to the organizing committee for your kindness to hold this wonderful charity concert and please rest assured that the Indonesian people, especially the victims of disasters, will never forget.
Thank you.
(Interpreter: Hiroki Abe, Meguro International Friendship Association)