9 September 2004 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo strongly condemned Thursday’s bombing in Central Jakarta, Indonesia that already caused the death of at least four persons and injuries to over 100 residents.      Secretary Romulo issued the following statement upon receiving the report of Philippine Ambassador to Jakarta Shulan Primavera:

“This is a despicable act against humanity and freedom.  I condemn the perpetrators of this terrorist act.   The Philippine Government and People  are one with the Indonesian Government and People in mourning the victims of this recent bombing and in their effort to combat terrorism.   The Philippine Government and People also express their sadness and concern for the injuries and damages caused to the Australian Embassy, which bore the brunt of the explosion.  This incident will only further strengthen the Philippines’ commitment and determination to fight all forms of terrorism.

“Our Ambassador to Jakarta, Shulan Primavera, reported today that a powerful bomb exploded at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, in front of the Australian Embassy in Kuningan, Central Jakarta, causing damages to the embassy and nearby buildings.  The blast, reportedly caused by a car bomb, was heard from the Philippine Embassy, which was within 10 minutes by car.        The scene of the blast is in Jakarta’s business district where several embassies are located such as Australia, Malaysia, Russia and several others.   Ambassador Primavera also reported that many diplomats also live within the vicinity including officers and a staff of the Philippine Embassy.

“Ambassador Primavera said that as of this afternoon he has not received any report from Indonesian authorities on whether any Filipino was killed or injured in the  terrorist bombing.     There are some 2,649 Filipinos residing in Indonesia.      Ambassador Primavera is now coordinating with the Indonesian authorities to determine the nationalities of the fatalities or injured.    She has also instructed the embassy staff to continuously monitor the incident.

“I have instructed Ambassador Primavera to regularly update the Department on the recent terrorist bombing in Indonesia.”

The victims of the terrorist bombing, including security guards in the building, were seen being treated in a nearby hospital.    A police vehicle parked outside the Australian Embassy in Jakarta was heavily damaged. END