Indonesia Recalls Its Ambassador From Australia Over Wiretapping Issue

By Ahmad Fuad Yahya

JAKARTA, Nov 18 (Bernama) -- Indonesia Monday recalled its ambassador from Australia and ordered a review of bilateral cooperation following reports that an Australian security agency attempted to tap telephone conversations of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Indonesia's First Lady Ibu Ani Yudhoyono and several cabinet members.

Indonesia's Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said the ambassador, Nadjib Riphat, was recalled to seek clarification of what was happening in Australia.

He said Indonesia felt the ambassador would not be able to carry out his duties effectively due to the current diplomatic furore over the wiretapping issue that was extensively reported.

"I have told the ambassador to not only come back with his cabin bag. We are awaiting an answer from the Australian government and will take one step at a time," said Marty at a press conference.

It was reported that Australian intelligence tried to listen in to Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's mobile phone conversation in 2009, material leaked by NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden revealed.

The leaked documents by Edward Snowden were received by the Australia Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and the The Guardian daily.

Meanwhile, Indonesia's coordinating minister for security, law and political affairs, Djoko Suyanto told reporters that the Indonesian government would request the Australia government to issue an official explanation on the matter quickly.

Indonesia would also urge Australia to repeat such activities.

-- BERNAMA