Stories from Indonesia
HMAS Kanimbla prepares for Padang beach landing
HMAS Kanimbla is steaming towards the Indonesian city of Padang, set to deliver personnel, stores and equipment.
The ADF’s Joint Task Force Operations Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Gavin Keating, has briefed senior officers from the Indonesian Military (TNI) on Kanimbla’s arrival and its role in the ADF’s earthquake relief effort.
Lieutenant Colonel Keating said the TNI had agreed to the Australian concept of support and on how TNI activities will be coordinated and integrated with the Australians.
“We see that close collaboration with the TNI throughout all phases is essential and we are looking forward to working closely with TNI,” Lieutenant Colonel Keating said.
“There are four major projects. The first is the construction of a temporary medical clinic and the other three projects consist of clearing a landslide on one of the major roads; clearing two schools which have been damaged by the earthquake; and then finally repairing a bridge in the local area.”
Commander of the Australian Joint Task Force, Colonel Mark Brewer, said both parties were pleased with the outcomes of the meeting.
“We’ve had close liaison for several days in the lead up to what was a formal brief this morning for the TNI General in Padang,” Colonel Brewer said.
“That went very well and we’re now confirming the details on the ground.
“We’ll be working with TNI, local police, and local Indonesian authorities to complete the projects identified by AusAID and the Indonesian Government.”
The engineers and their equipment on Kanimbla will move ashore in small water craft, and will start work at their project sites in the coming days.