Tuesday, 8 June 2010

The Jakarta Post

 President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono received here Tuesday five out of the 12 Indonesians who were onboard the humanitarian aid ship heading for Gaza when it was attacked by Israeli commandos.

The President received four members of the Indonesian Committee for Palestine Solidarity (KISPA): Okvianto Baharuddin, Ferry Nur, Muhendri Muchtar Kalus and Hardjito Warno; as well as a TVOne journalist, Muhammad Yasin at his office in Jakarta.

Okvianto was one of the two Indonesians injured in the attack, which Israel claimed was a defensive measure.

The other is Surya Fahrizal, who has more severe injuries and is still being treated in Amman.

The five Indonesians arrived in Jakarta on Monday, leaving most of their counterparts in Amman.

"I'd like to welcome you, humanitarian fighters, back to the country. You've endured an unforgettable experience, but believe your humanitarian mission is a noble thing," Yudhoyono said before asking the five to share their stories of the flotilla attack.

"And I would like to express thanks, gratitude and appreciation to the government of Palestine, to President Mahmoud Abbas, and to the government of Jordan, King Abdullah, for all their assistance and support for our brothers," he added.

The five Indonesians were accompanied by Indonesian Ambassador to Jordan Zainulbahar Noor, Indonesian Ambassador to Turkey Awang Bahrin and Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia Fariz Mehdawi, among others.