A SALUTE TO MEULABOH

Three weeks ago, if you stepped into the sea-side town of Meulaboh and saw the flattened buildings and uprooted trees, you would have been awed by the force of Mother Nature.

Enter Meulaboh today, and you will be overcome by the resilience of the people, their strength to pick up the pieces and carry on. You will be inspired by their spirit.

Talk to any of the 500 odd Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) soldiers who have been in Meulaboh since 2 Jan to provide humanitarian relief, and each has a personal story to relate about the strength of the people of this town.

Senior Medic, First Sergeant (1SG) Irene Ng remembered a 4-year-old patient who hurt his arm badly because of the tsunami.

She recalled: "He was such a brave boy. He was not afraid of the injection nor the stitches we gave him. He was crying only because he was afraid of us, because we were strangers to him."

For Engineer Force Commander, Major (MAJ) Lam Chee Young (left), he was stricken with worry when he learnt about the tsunami, as one of his good friends, MAJ Erwin from the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI), lived in Meulaboh.

"I was told that he was lost, and I assumed that I would not see him again. So I was most pleased when I landed in Meulaboh and I heard him call my name."

"Although he lost his daughter in the disaster, he is mentally strong and able to return to work to provide help to other Indonesians," he said.

On their final day in Meulaboh, SAF soldiers took time to remember those lost in the tragedy.

About 70 Muslim SAF soldiers joined TNI soldiers and residents of Meulaboh in a prayer session on Hari Raya Haji morning.

In the afternoon, about 200 SAF soldiers joined their Indonesian counterparts in a memorial service at a burial site.

The SAF Humanitarian Assistance Task Force Commander, Colonel (COL) Tan Chuan-Jin (left), and the TNI Commander in Meulaboh, COL Geerhan Lantara, also laid wreaths at the site.

And before they set course towards Singapore, the men and women on board RSS Endurance and RSS Endeavour lined the ship's deck to give one final salute to this brave little town.

A floral wreath was also thrown overboard in memory of the victims of the tsunami.

Although the SAF is re-deploying its troops home, three Chinooks helicopters will remain in Aceh to provide assistance, at the request of Indonesia.

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have also taken on the SAF's relief efforts, ensuring that the people of Meulaboh continue to receive aid.



As the soldiers head home, COL Tan said he was sure they had mixed emotions about leaving: "After three weeks in Meulaboh, we have become quite attached to her people, our TNI friends and the place."

But he is certain that the town of Meulaboh will rise again.

Like his soldiers, COL Tan has also been touched by the experience in Meulaboh, adding that he had learnt many lessons during his time there.

"I've learnt about the courage and commitment of the TNI in leading and organising its people effectively. Their selfless sacrifices and non-stop efforts despite personal loss and tragedy make them heroes in our eyes."

"I've also learnt the meaning of friendship, brotherhood and solidarity by the bonds of friendship forged with the people of Meulaboh."

"We share much in common, and I regard them not just as good neighbours, but members of the same family."

"Most importantly, I've learnt about the spirit of the people of Meulaboh and how they picked themselves up and quickly started the re-building process. The smiles on the people's faces tell us whatever happens, the human spirit is unbreakable," said COL Tan.