The sun sets on a tragic day in Jakarta for the Bintangs and many others

Last Friday, 17 July 2009, two bombs were detonated inside two hotels in Jakarta. Nine people were killed and another 50 were injured. One of the victims was the Austrade Commissioner, Craig Senger, who also played for the Jakarta Bintangs.

Below is a copy of two emails that the Vietnam Swans President, Phil Johns, sent to the President of the Jakarta Bintangs and fellow Swannies.

Dear Swannies

We have just finished a sensational weekend in Hoi An where the Vics beat the Rest of the World. We had players from Hanoi and Saigon as well as a number of tourists. A number of us commented how good Asian footy is at bringing people together.

On Friday, the Jakarta Bintangs tragically lost Craig Senger in the hotel bombings. Craig was also the Austrade Commissioner in Jakarta.

I have emailed the Bintang’s President to pass on the Vietnam Swans condolences. I have also emailed the Indonesian Consul General who presented the trophy at our Black Saturday Bushfire match in March when we played Bali.

Let’s keep playing footy.

From: Vietnam Swans [mailto:vietnamswans@gmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, July 19, 2009 8:58 PM
To: President Jakarta Bintangs
Cc:
Subject: Condolences re Craig Senger

Dear Tim

Dave Kainey forwarded your email to me regarding Friday’s shocking news about Craig Senger.

On behalf of the Vietnam Swans, I would like to pass on our condolences to the Jakarta Bintangs and Craig’s family.

Across Asia, footy brings people together. In Indonesia, the Jakarta Bintangs have taken it to a new level using Auskick and your junior development programs to bring the Indonesian and Australian communities closer together. The manner of Craig’s death is therefore particularly tragic.

Of course, if there is anything that the Vietnam Swans can do, please let us know.

Regards

Phil Johns
National President, Vietnam Swans