MEDIA ADVISORY

9 March 2010

The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Ms Quentin Bryce AC, today appointed Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President of the Republic of Indonesia, as an Honorary Companion in the General Division of the Order of Australia.
At a ceremony at Government House in Canberra, President Yudhoyono received the AC – Australia’s highest civilian honour -  for strengthening Australia-Indonesia relations, and promoting democracy and development in Indonesia.
The citation for the award said that “President Yudhoyono is committed to deepening and broadening relations with Australia in a range of areas including: economic, cultural and educational links, counter-terrorism planning, and interfaith relations”. 
“He has also been working closely with Australia on regional stability and prosperity through the East Asia summit and APEC and has successfully raised Indonesia’s activity and profile on issues of global concern through the G20 group of nations”. 
The citation continued :”In testing times of adversity, such as terrorist attacks in Indonesia and natural disasters in both Australia and Indonesia, President Yudhoyono has been steadfast and humane in providing the leadership required for both nations to work together for the benefit of their peoples. President Yudhoyono has presided over both the strengthening of democracy in Indonesia, and a sustained period of economic reform, which have delivered tangible benefits for the nation of Indonesia and to the South East Asian region”. 
President Yudhoyono was greeted by the Governor-General at a ceremonial welcome, before a meeting at Government House, followed by a State Luncheon in his honour.