Ary Hermawan , The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Sat, 07/18/2009 1:50 PM | Headlines
The international community condemned the terror attacks on the lavish JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton hotels in Jakarta on Friday, with world leaders calling them *barbaric' and *senseless' acts of violence.
"The US condemns such senseless acts of violence. We stand ready to provide assistance if asked by the government of Indonesia," a statement from the US State Department read on Friday, according to CNN.
Speaking in Prague, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the attack was a reminder that "the threat of terrorism remains very real," the AP reported." She added that, "we have no higher priority than confronting this threat along with other countries that share our commitment to a more peaceful and prosperous future."
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said he felt "sick in the stomach" when he heard news of the attacks. "It is an act of murder. It is a barbaric act that violates the fundamental principles of human decency," he said, as quoted by the AP.
"The language contained within the travel advisory about threats against Australians, westerners, in Jakarta and in international hotels, is not there for idle purpose," he added. Australia, along with New Zealand, had updated its travel advisory to Indonesia following the attacks.
European Union High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) Javier Solana said in a statement sent to The Jakarta Post he was shocked that Indonesia had again become a victim of terrorism.
"The EU stands with the people and the government of Indonesia as they work to bring those responsible for this cowardly act of terror to justice. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims, and we wish a speedy recovery to those injured."
British Charge D'Affaires Matthew Rous said: "The British people deplored terrorism in all its forms and stood resolutely beside our friends in Indonesia at this difficult time."
The Japanese government expressed hope the Indonesian government will be able to immediately restore security in the capital. Speaking in Japan, spokesperson for the Japanese Foreign Ministry, Yasuhisa Kawamura said, "we are concerned about the attacks that have taken many lives," according to Antara. The Egyptian and Azerbaijani missions in Jakarta have also expressed their condemnations of the attacks and offered their condolences to the victims and their families.
The Canadian embassy in Jakarta was still waiting for an official statement from its headquarters at the time of writing, embassy spokeswoman Joya Donelly said, but confirmed reports that two Canadian nationals were among the injured in the attacks.
She was unable to confirm if travel advisories to Indonesia would be updated. Canada eased its travel advisory on Indonesia early this year.
The Indian Embassy has advised its citizens to avoid public places such as malls, cinemas and night clubs, for the next few weeks. The Chinese embassy, which was recently the target of Muslim activists protesting Beijing's reaction to riots in Xinjiang, beefed up its security following the bombings.
The US embassy has told its citizens traveling to and living in Indonesia to register and update their contact information, and to regularly monitor the latest travel advisory on the embassy's website.
The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Friday's bombings were an attack on Indonesia's democracy aimed at disrupting the country's economy.
"The Indonesian government is committed to combating terrorism. Our dedication to consolidating democracy will not be swayed by this cowardly act," it said.
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