Spy scandal causes tensions between Jakarta and Canberra, halts bilateral cooperation
Jakarta (AsiaNews) - Allegations last week that Australia spied on the Indonesian president and other high-ranking Indonesian leaders has heightened diplomatic tensions between Jakarta and Canberra.
As a result of the diplomatic row, Indonesia has recalled its ambassador, Najib Riphat Kesuma, for "further consultation". During a press conference, the diplomat said he would "stay in Jakarta until both sides make things clear."
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono also suspended co-operation with Australia, including military co-operation as well as joint coast guard patrols to stop migrants from getting to Australia in search of asylum.
The spy story broke after documents leaked by whistle-blower Edward Snowden, a former employee of the US National Security Agency (NSA), found their way into the Australian press, causing the angry responses from Indonesian authorities, especially Yudhoyono and his close associates, surprising even ordinary Indonesians more used to seeing their president take a "soft" approach on various issues.
As a result of this, demonstrations and protests were held today in several cities in Indonesia. In Yogyakarta (central Java), angry demonstrators burnt Australian flags but the protest was otherwise peaceful. In Jakarta, at least 200 people marched to the Australian embassy, demanding an official apology from Canberra. Some of carried banners saying they were ready for "war" with Australia.
For some experts, tensions between the two governments over immigration, especially in 2009, might explain the controversy. In recent history, thousands of migrants have used Indonesia as an ideal bridge to get into Australia, especially those fleeing the Middle East and other warzones.
On several occasions, Jakarta has tried to exert diplomatic pressure on Canberra to be more humane towards these boat people, many of whom have died trying to cross to Australia from Indonesia or Vietnam.
For its part, Australia has not yet responded to the allegations - Australian Minister Tony Abbot's office is still tight-lipped - or issued an apology even though the Indonesian government expects one. For Julian Aldrin Pasha, a spokesman for Yudhoyono, Canberra's answer so far has been unsatisfactory.
Indonesians appear divided over the issue. Whilst some would like to see the expulsion of the Australian ambassador in Jakarta, others wonder why the government did not adopt the same hard-line with the United States since Washington too has monitored conversations with foreign leaders, including Indonesia's president. In fact, the latter has not reacted as firmly with Barack Obama as he did with Australian leaders.
The dispute between Jakarta and Canberra could have serious repercussions on trade, particularly Australian meat imports to Indonesia.
Minister Gita Wirjawan warned though that boycotting Australian meat would drive prices through the roof since domestic production cannot meet demand.
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