The Indonesian government thanked the Philippines for condoling with the Indonesian people over the recent bombing of the JW Marriott Hotel in Jakarta, which claimed the lives of 10 people while injuring hundreds of victims.

In a letter addressed to Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople, Indonesian Foreign Minister Dr. Hassan Wirajuda said “It is a source of great comfort and solace, indeed, that in times of great challenges and difficulties, Indonesia can rely on the Philippines as a steadfast friend. “

Minister Wirajuda also described this most recent terrorist attack as “an act of desperation on the part of terrorists whose room for maneuver has been stifled by the Government’s increasing success to bring to justice those who have committed past terrorist acts, notably the Bali bombings, and its success in uncovering and disrupting terrorist cells.”

Foreign Affairs Secretary Ople said the Philippine government fully supports the efforts of President Megawati to enforce the law against suspected terrorists.

“Indonesia is a valued friend and ally of the Philippines and we deeply appreciate the efforts of its government in fighting terrorism, “ Ople added.

Ople said he shares the conviction of Minister Wirajuda who wrote in his letter:

“We are all in this together. We must all stand hand in hand to combat the threat posed by terrorism.”

According to Initial reports, the bombing could be an act of the Jemaah Islamiyah, an Islamic movement that officials have linked to al-Qaida and have been blamed for the Bali bloodshed. The Secretary said it might be too early to draw conclusions based on initial reports. He said the Philippines shall await the results of the investigation being conducted by Indonesian authorities. He added that the Philippine government has entered into information cooperation and exchanges with Indonesia on terrorism and other transnational crimes. END