02 February 2005
Prime Minister visits Banda Aceh

Mr Howard is seeing first hand the assistance of Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel to Indonesian Government authorities as part of the Australian Government program of humanitarian relief following the Boxing Day tsunami.

The ADF has been working in support of tsunami disaster relief in Indonesia's North Sumatra and Aceh provinces since 28 December 2004.

Relief assistance provided by Australia is part of a co-operative effort involving the ADF, DFAT (AusAID), and Emergency Management Australia.

Water, tentage, medical supplies, blankets, other emergency provisions and logistical support have been provided.

In the tsunami-devastated provincial capital of Banda Aceh, the ADF has set up a water purification plant and has established the ANZAC Field Hospital, a hospital operated jointly by medical personnel of the ADF and the New Zealand Defence Force.

The Australian Navy amphibious transport ship, HMAS Kanimbla, delivered a detachment of Australian Army engineers on 13 January and has taken up station as a floating support and logistics base for relief and reconstruction work.

JPAU02FEB05PC004 The Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard, exits an Australian Air Force C-130 aircraft in Banda Aceh, at the start of a visit on 02 February 2005 to see the impact of Australia's contribution to the Indonesian Government-led tsunami disaster relief program. (Date taken: 02 February 2005) Low-Res | Hi-Res	JPAU02FEB05PC011 The Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard, was met on arrival in Banda Aceh by the Indonesian Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare, Dr Alwi Shihab, and the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Hassan Wirajuda (here introducing Mr Howard to senior Indonesian military officers). (Date taken: 02 February 2005) Low-Res | Hi-Res
JPAU02FEB05PC022 The Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard, was met on arrival in Banda Aceh by the Indonesian Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare, Dr Alwi Shihab (left of Mr Howard, wearing jerkin), and the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Hassan Wirajuda (next to Dr Alwi). (Date taken: 02 February 2005) Low-Res | Hi-Res	JPAU02FEB05PC024 The Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard, was met on arrival in Banda Aceh by the Indonesian Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare, Dr Alwi Shihab (left, wearing jerkin), and the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Hassan Wirajuda (right). (Date taken: 02 February 2005) Low-Res | Hi-Res