The article below shows a thawing in relations between the two contries, which it is hoped will be the start of a more co-operative future together; at least I hope so. Thi, the news, appeared in various papers, notablt the Jakarta Post.
Indonesia thanks Australia for tsunami, quake aid
SYDNEY (AFP): Indonesia thanked neighboring Australia on Monday for its help after last week's tsunami and earthquake disaster which killed more than 94,000 people in the country and devastated Aceh province.
"I'm overwhelmed by the positive gestures shown by your government as well as the Australian people," Indonesia's ambassador to Australia, Imron Cotan, said here. "We think they have done a tremendous job in helping us."
Cotan warned, however, that much more help would be needed.
The destruction in Aceh triggered a huge outpouring of sympathy in Australia, where some A$75 million (US$58 million) had been pledged to aid agencies by Monday.
The government has also donated A$60 million in financial aid and promised more, saying most of the money would go to Indonesia. (**)
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