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Herman Kamra Update

We have sad news regarding Herman, our friend and AIAA member, who was detained in the Villawood Detention Centre in May. He has just been sent back to Indonesia last Sunday (11th August). Due to some visa complications Herman was detained at Villawood just prior to the commencement of the Australia Indonesia Poetry Exchange 2003, of which he was meant to be a participating member. He appealed against the decision to deport him and was informed that his case was under consideration by the Minister for Immigration. He was hoping that he would be successful as he had received letters of support from 18 ORGANISATIONS!! Thank you to everyone who responded to our call for support!

Herman's daughter Natasha had been sent back to Indonesia some weeks ago and is now safely with her mother in Jakarta.

Herman's flat at Ahsfield has now been packed up and given back to the Real Estate Agent. A wonderful multicultural group of friends worked very hard to clear out the flat as it was full of Herman's possessions. - Japanese, Australian and Indonesian friends all pitched in and stored Herman's things at a friend's house. Herman being Herman has given away many useful things like fridges etc to friends in need.

The flat where Herman and I planned the poetry project, where Herman produced Reformasi newspaper, where Fatin, Emha and I spent the poetry project days, got together with friends and were interviewd by Ricky from SBS radio interview is now no more - its all just History and fond memories!

Herman's loss to the Indonesian cultural community in Australia is enormous as he was a very active, generous, enthusiastic participant in the management and activities of many community and cultural organisations. He will be sadly missed and we hope he will be able to return to Australia again soon. I am sure Herman will stay an active member of AIAA. His email address is Haka1155@yahoo.com

Best wishes
Judy