It is marked as one of the darkest days in history, but for Able Seaman Lameul Setiono, the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami also revealed a bright side of humanity and ignited a desire for a lifetime of service. 

“I was just 10 years old when the tsunami occurred, and I was so surprised that Australia rushed to assist straight away and help without thinking,” Able Seaman Setiono said.

Born in Jakarta, Able Seaman Setiono immigrated to Australia at four years old. With his extended family still living in Indonesia, the tragic events of one of the world’s most catastrophic natural disasters rocked the Australian-Indonesia community to its core. 

He remembers those uncertain times as a child, looking for a sign of hope, one that came from the most unlikely of places.

“I remember seeing the Royal Australian Navy rush to deliver medical assistance and aid evacuations. It really left a mark on me,” Able Seaman Setiono said.

This moment inspired him to enlist in the Royal Australian Navy. 

Now he is returning to Jakarta on board HMAS Toowoomba, where his Indonesian family will see him on active service for the first time.

“My family is so proud of my service, and I am really proud to go back to Jakarta and see them as a sailor,” Able Seaman Setiono said.

'Having members of the crew who have human connections to our neighbours illustrates how sincere and reliable these relationships truly are.'

As an avionics technician – airframe on board Toowoomba, he is deployed as part of a regional presence deployment. 

Able Seaman Setiono said Australian and Indonesian cultures have a lot more similarities than most realise.       

“Both countries have quite a bit in common. Both share strong maritime traditions. While Indonesia is built of so many islands and Australia is one big island, they share that strong connection to the sea,” he said.

“We also both believe in helping our neighbours when they’re in need. Both nations are always very supportive and very helpful.”

Commanding Officer Toowoomba Commander Alicia Harrison said having members of ships’ company who share a cultural connection with regional partners was an invaluable resource when improving interoperability and forging closer connections.

“Our hardworking and dedicated sailors and officers are the Royal Australian Navy’s greatest resource,” Commander Harrison said.

“The diversity of culture, experience and practice we’re fortunate enough to have among all ranks strengthens our capacity as a professional and highly capable fleet.

“Regional presence deployments deepen Australia’s defence partnerships across the region, enhancing our ability to work together. Having members of the crew who have human connections to our neighbours illustrates how sincere and reliable these relationships truly are.”

Toowoomba is undertaking an Indo-Pacific regional presence deployment throughout South, South-East and East Asia, conducting training, exercises and other engagements with Australia’s regional partners.