His Majesty observes the effects of the earthquake and tsunami in Aceh
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Muizzaddien Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di Pertuan or Brunei Darussalam has consented to visit Aceh to personally observe the effects of the earthquakes and the giant 'tsunami' waves affecting the provice recently.

His Majesty's arrival at the Sultan Iskandar Muda Military Airfield in Banda, Aceh was greeted by the Coordinating Minister for the People's Welfare of the Republic of Indonesia, His Excellency Dr. Alwi Abdurrahman Shihab and other local dignitaries consisting of the Acting Governor of Aceh Province, Commander of the Indonesian Armed Forces in Aceh, Head of the Provincial Police Force, Head of the Judiciary of Aceh Province as well as the Attorney-General of the Aceh Province. Also present to greet His Majesty at the airport was the Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to the Republic of Indonesia, His Excellency Dato Seri Setia Doctor Awang Haji Mohamad Amin.

Before visiting the areas affected by the earthquakes and the giant 'tsunami' waves, His Majesty was briefed by the Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare, His Excellency Dr. Alwi Abdurrahman Shihab and Vice Governor of the Province Aceh, Haji Azwar Abu Bakar as well as other local officials. The briefing was held at the Residence of the governor.

The first stop in His Majesty's itinerary was the beach area in Bandar Aceh as well as important places affected by the calamities such as the Baitur Rahman and Baitur Rahim Mosques. At these two mosques, while witnessing the effects of the calamities, His Majesty presented the Mosques with copies of the Islamic holy book - Al-Quran. From Banda Aceh,

His Majesty then left for Sabang in Weh Island, with His Majesty piloting one fo the Blackhawk helicopters owned by the Royal Brunei Armed Forces stationed in the area. On arrival a the Maimun Salleh Military Airfield, His Majesty was greeted by the Mayor of Sabang and local officials as well as officers and staff of the contingent from Brunei Darussalam. In Sabang, His Majesty was briefed by the heads of the contigent from Brunei Darussalam. This was followed with His Majesty meeting some of the contingent members comprising the personnel of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, the medical officers and staff of the Ministry of Health and officers and staff of the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation. From that area, His Majesty visited the hospitals where residents affected by the calamities were treated under the supervision of medical officers and staff of Brunei's Ministry of Health and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces. In the hospital, His Majesty had a chance to visit two children injured during the disaster and now under the care of the medical officers and staff of the Brunei Minsitry of Health.

From the Sabang hospital, His Majesty piloted one of the helicopters to observe from the air the affected areas in the northwestern region of Sumatra. This region is most affected by the earthquakes and the giant tsunami waves. Before leaving for Banda Aceh, His Majesty stopped over at Tepin Rambot, where the Royal Brunei Armed Forces has its regimental aid post. At Tepin Rambot, His Majesty was briefed and had a chance to meet the officers and staff of the Royal Brunei Armed Froces and the Ministry of Health. There are 187 temporary camps in Tepin Rambot which accommodate about 570 occupants.

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam left the Sultan Iskandar Muda Military Airfield, Banda Aceh, yesterday afternoon after completing the one-day visit to the areas affected by the earthquakes and the giant tsunami waves as well as to observe personally the work done by the contingent especially sent from Brunei Darussalam to the Aceh province.


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