On September 9, 2004, a devastating event shook both Australia and Indonesia. A suicide bomber detonated a one-tonne bomb hidden inside a truck just outside the Australian Embassy in Jakarta. This act of terror not only claimed the lives of 10 Indonesian citizens but also left more than 200 people injured.
For many, including Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers stationed in Jakarta, this was more than just a workplace—it was a frontline in the fight against terrorism. As we commemorate the 20th anniversary of this tragedy, ceremonies in both Australia and Indonesia pay tribute to those affected and reflect on the lasting impact of the attack.
The Day of the Attack
It was a seemingly ordinary day on September 9, 2004, when the bomb exploded at around 10:15 a.m. during the height of morning traffic on one of Jakarta’s busiest roads, Jalan Rasuna Said. The blast was so powerful that it shattered windows up to 500 meters away, leaving a deep crater at the bomb site.
The target was the Australian Embassy, and the damage was extensive.
None of the Australian staff working inside the embassy lost their lives—though the psychological and emotional scars of the attack still linger.
All 10 victims were Indonesian citizens, including locally contracted embassy staff. This marked the first deadly attack on an Australian diplomatic mission and underscored the dangers faced by those working to protect peace and stability in the region.
AFP on the Ground
Detective Superintendent Stephen Jay was among those on duty that fateful day.
At the time, Det-Supt Jay was a Federal Agent working at the AFP’s Joint Operations Centre, which had been established following earlier terrorist attacks, including the 2002 Bali bombings and the 2003 Marriott Hotel bombing in Jakarta.
On the morning of the attack, Jay was on his way to the embassy to drop off paperwork when the bomb exploded.
“I will never forget the sight and sound of the explosion, with the large mushroom cloud rising from where we knew the embassy to be,” Det-Supt Jay recalled.
“When I arrived at the scene, there were people and debris everywhere—it was chaos.”
Once on the ground, Jay and his colleagues prioritized assisting victims and quickly teamed up with their Indonesian counterparts from the Indonesian National Police’s (INP) Counter Terrorism team.
Operation Bantu: The Hunt for the Perpetrators
The immediate aftermath of the bombing saw an unprecedented joint effort between Australian and Indonesian law enforcement agencies. Operation Bantu, named after the Indonesian word for “help,” was launched.
Australian investigators, forensic experts, and intelligence specialists worked closely with the INP to piece together evidence from the bomb site. Plastic pellets found at the scene helped link the attack to Noordin Mohammad Top and Azahari Husin, key figures in the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) terror group.
Both men were already wanted for previous attacks, including the 2002 Bali bombings, and were later killed during operations by the INP to capture them. Their deaths, while bringing some sense of closure, underscored the long-standing threat posed by terrorist networks operating in Southeast Asia.
A Decade of Challenges and Collaboration
AFP Commander for Southeast Asia, Warwick Macfarlane, reflected on the difficulties both nations faced in the 2000s. He emphasized that the tragic events of the Jakarta bombing only strengthened the resolve of both Australia and Indonesia to defeat extremism.
“Australian and Indonesian police were united by a shared need to defeat extremism and keep local communities and visitors safe,” Commander Macfarlane noted. “Tragic events like the bombing of the Australian Embassy in Jakarta only strengthened our resolve to work together to defeat a common enemy.”
This spirit of cooperation led to significant developments, including the establishment of the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation (JCLEC) in 2004, following the Bali bombings. JCLEC has since become a hub for international collaboration, delivering over 1,800 counter-terrorism, people smuggling, and cyber awareness programs to more than 44,000 participants from 94 countries.
The Legacy of the Bombing
Twenty years after the attack, the legacy of the enhanced cooperation between Australia and Indonesia is still visible today. The AFP maintains a presence in 34 countries, working alongside international partners to build crime-fighting capacity, promote regional stability, and respond to global incidents. Initiatives like JCLEC have become crucial in the ongoing fight against terrorism, with both nations united in their commitment to keeping the region safe.
As part of the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the bombing, ceremonies are being held in both Canberra and Jakarta. Representatives from the AFP will attend a private ceremony at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade headquarters in Canberra, while another event will be held at the Australian Embassy in Jakarta.
These commemorative events are a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of terrorism on individuals and communities. They also highlight the resilience of those who work tirelessly to uphold peace, often at great personal risk. For the AFP officers stationed in Jakarta, the embassy bombing is more than a tragic memory—it’s a symbol of the challenges they face daily in their efforts to combat extremism and protect lives.
Looking Forward: A Commitment to Global Security
In the 20 years since the Jakarta bombing, much has changed in how both nations approach counter-terrorism. The partnerships forged in the wake of the attack have not only led to the capture of key terrorists but have also strengthened the capabilities of law enforcement agencies across Southeast Asia.
As the world faces new security challenges, the legacy of cooperation between Australia and Indonesia remains as vital as ever. The Jakarta Embassy bombing serves as a solemn reminder of the threat posed by terrorism, but it also stands as a testament to the strength and determination of those who work to protect us from harm.
The tragic events of September 9, 2004, will never be forgotten, but they have only strengthened the resolve of Australia, Indonesia, and their allies in the ongoing fight against extremism.
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