Condemning Terrorist Attack in Jakarta, Indonesia, on September 9, 2004
CONDEMNING TERRORIST ATTACK IN JAKARTA, INDONESIA, ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2004 -- (House of Representatives - September 22, 2004)
Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 767) condemning the terrorist attack in Jakarta, Indonesia, that occurred on September 9, 2004, as amended.
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Mr. MEEKS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I rise in strong support of this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I would first like to commend our colleague, the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Burton), for introducing this timely and important resolution, along with the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Wexler), who serves as cochair of the Indonesia Caucus along with the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Burton).
The resolution before the House condemns the September 9 terrorist attack outside the Australian embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia. Nine Indonesians lost their lives in this brutal attack, and almost 200 people were injured.
This latest attack by Jemaah Islamiah sadly confirms Indonesia's status as a frontline state in the global battle against terrorism. Over 200 young people, mostly Australian, were murdered in the 2002 Bali bombings. Twelve Indonesians were also killed at the suicide bombing at the J.W. Marriott hotel in Jakarta in August 2003.
While this latest attack occurred on Indonesian soil and those killed were Indonesians, the attack itself was aimed at Australia and its people.
However, these cowardly terrorist acts will not prevent Australia from standing strong against terrorism or from continuing to support the spread of democracy and freedom around the world. Neither will these attacks be successful in changing the path of Indonesia, who has just held peaceful, democratic elections in testament to its moderate character.
The United States must continue to play a leadership role in developing an international coalition that works closely with ASEAN countries to help develop strong partnerships that will help prevent future terrorist attacks.
I would like to convey to the Indonesian people my heartfelt sympathies for the innocent loss of life on September 9 and my appreciation to the Australians for their willingness to confront international terrorism at every turn.
I strongly support this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).
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Mr. MEEKS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
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