"Currently, Snowden said that Australia has tapped President Yudhoyono`s phone and conversations. If the President does not respond, it is possible to demolish more substantive things, such as the Bank Century and election case."Jakarta (ANTARA News) - House of Representatives Commission I Vice Chairman TB Hasanuddin said former NSA contractor Edward Snowden could have provided information about the Bank Century case, following revelations about Australias wiretapping of Indonesian leaders telephones.
"Currently, Snowden said that Australia has tapped President Yudhoyonos phone and conversations. If the President does not respond, it is possible to demolish more substantive things, such as the Bank Century and election case," said TB Hasanuddin here on Monday.
Hasanuddin asked the Indonesian government to respond harshly to Australia, which he said could be done in various ways.
He explained that a stern stance could require demanding an explanation from the Australian government, as well as expelling the Australian Ambassador to Indonesia.
Hasanuddin did not specifically mention what stance might be taken by the Indonesian government, because it is not his authority, he said. But he believes that the government has policies and attitudes that could deter Australia.
"Like other countries that are asking for an explanation, the president must discuss his response before people react," he said.
As previously quoted, the Australian ABC radio website reported that Snowden released intelligence materials that reveal Australias intelligence agency intercepted Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyonos telephone conversations in 2009, along with other senior Indonesian officials.
Snowdens document, obtained by ABC and the Guardian, was published on Monday, Nov 18.
Information shows that the Australian intelligence agency intercepted Yudhoyonos telephone conversations at least once. Further, Australia monitored Yudhoyonos cell phone for nine days in August 2009.
The data was obtained from Australias Defence Signals Directorate, the name of which has since been changed to Australian Signals Directorate.
The wiretapping was also intended to listen in on senior Indonesia officials and people close to Yudhoyono, such as Ani Yudhoyono, Vice President Boediono, former Vice President Jusuf Kalla, Presidential spokesman Dino Patti Djalal and Andi Mallarangeng. (A050/INE/B003)
Editor: Kunto Wibisono
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
