We would like to extend our most heartfelt gratitude to the Embassy of Japan and its staff for their generosity, compassion and efficiency in assisting the Hara family since the evening of our parents' tragic demise. This overwhelming support was entirely unexpected, and we sincerely hope that we are not taking advantage of the embassy, its staff or its resources in attending to this personal matter.

  In view of the compassion the Indonesian and Japanese media have shown us over the past few days, and the possible potential that this case may have an impact on Japan-Indonesia bilateral relations, we have put together a press release to express the Hara family's personal stance in response to the events of 17 June 2010.

  We would be extremely grateful of the Embassy's assistance in distributing the attached press release to your contacts in the media.

  We understand that this is a highly unusual request, and ask your forgiveness in approaching Your Excellency regarding this very personal matter.

  Yasuo (69) and Mizue (67) Hara loved Indonesia, and dedicated their lives here to learning and educating others about the beauty of Indonesia and its people. The couple were passionate about contributing to the future of Indonesia, by supporting its youth in realising their dreams for their country.

  The tragic circumstances of their untimely deaths in no way affect the strong ties and deep love their children – Yuichiro [原 雄一郎], Chisato [原 千聡] and Mizuho [原 瑞穂] – feel for Indonesia.

  "Our parents love Indonesia and it is clear that Indonesia loves them," said Yuichiro Hara on behalf of the family in reaction to the outpouring of support and sympathy. "We, their children, have loved Indonesia. We still do. The tragedy that has befallen us does not affect how we feel about this wonderful country and its people."

  The Hara children extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Japanese Embassy as well as to their respective employers, who responded immediately and who continue to provide gracious and overwhelming support. The family also thank the staff at RS Fatmawati, Filemon for All Churches (FFAC) and Oasis Lestari Krematorium for their compassionate professionalism during this most difficult time.

  "Words are not enough to express how grateful we are. You have all made it easier for us to take care of the many details involved in preparing our parents for their final journey."

  The police have the full confidence of the Hara family: "We regard the Indonesian police in awe for the diligence and efficiency with which they have pursued their investigation."

  The Hara children thank the Indonesian press and Japanese media based in Jakarta for their patience, sensitivity and respect.

  "Yasuo and Mizue touched the lives of many, both in Indonesia and around the world. We would like to call upon all of you to recall our parents as they were in life and celebrate the wonderful people that they were," said their children.

  Yasuo [原 康雄] and Mizue Hara [原 瑞枝] were both born in Japan; Yasuo on 23 November 1940 in Tokyo and Mizue on 11 March 1943 in Kanagawa prefecture. Yasuo is an alumnus of Sophia University, where he majored in Spanish; Mizue is an alumna of Yokohama Futaba Gakuen, where she discovered her love for culture and languages.

  They met through a matchmaker in the traditional manner, were married on 04 October 1968 and honeymooned in Nikko. The family moved to the United States in 1977, when Yasuo was transferred to Houston, Texas, to open a representative office for Satake Inc. [サ タケ], a manufacturer and distributor of rice milling and processing machinery.

  In 1986, the Hara family moved to Jakarta, Indonesia, where Yasuo opened a general representative office for Satake. He worked towards establishing a Japan-Indonesia joint venture to help develop the country's agricultural sector until the financial and political crises of 1998. Yasuo, believing that the time presented an opportunity to create jobs and alleviate the situation, took early retirement from the company and sought another job that would allow him and Mizue to remain in Indonesia and contribute to its future.

  This opportunity came in 2000, when he became Director of Cultural Affairs at the Jakarta Japanese School (JJS), a post that falls under the auspices of the Japanese Ministry of Education and Culture. Over the next three years, Yasuo worked to expand the school's ties with its surrounding community, local schools and students, while encouraging JJS students and teachers to learn about the culture, history and people of their host country.

  Since the Hara family came to Indonesia, Mizue has been involved with a variety of community associations, such as the Women's International Club, the Indonesian Heritage Society, and the International Community Activity Center (ICAC). She has held several executive positions in her career as a community service volunteer, including chairman of the Jakarta Japanese Club's women's division and chairman of the Indonesian Heritage Society. As a Heritage member, she studied the cultural wealth of Indonesia and established close ties with the Museum Nasional.

  Mizue found her calling in the ICAC Leadership Development Scholarship Program, which provided support to exemplary university students who did not have the financial means to complete their studies. The program was created by the ICAC Community Service Committee in 1999 as a direct result of the 1998 crises.

  In March 2004, the program was established as an independent foundation, Yayasan Goodwill International, and Mizue was appointed its Executive Chairman. The scholarship program marked its tenth anniversary in October 2009, by which time it had supported 540 students at the University of Indonesia (UI) and the Bogor Agricultural University (IPB).

  When Yasuo's contract at JJS ended in 2003, the couple decided to retire in Indonesia, which had given them their life's purpose. Yasuo and Mizue were looking forward to celebrating their 25th year in Indonesia on 26 January 2011.