ADF completes mission in Indonesia

JAKARTA: The Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel assigned to help victims of the earthquake in Padang returned home this weekend, ending their contribution to Australia's relief and reconstruction efforts in West Sumatra, the Australian Embassy said Friday.

The final elements of the ADF's joint task force will depart Indonesia for Australia on Monday, following the closure of the Australian Army Primary Health Care Facility and its official handover to the local health authorities, and the completion of all reconstruction tasks.

The commander of the Indonesian Earthquake Relief Effort, Maj. Gen. Tanjung, praised the Australians for their dedication to the relief effort in support of the Indonesian military (TNI).

Australian Joint Task Force Commander Colonel Mark Brewer said he was proud of the performance of his personnel during the operation.

The chief of the Australian Defense Force, air chief Marshal Angus Houston, said through working closely together in the aftermath of the earthquake, the Australians and Indonesians had strengthened the friendship between the two nations. - JP