"Usually, there will be no problem when it comes to student affairs. They will go on as usual. This is a government-to-government problem," Education Minister Muhammad Nuh said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Education Minister Muhammad Nuh has asked Indonesian students in Australia to remain calm and not be disturbed by the current problems in relations between the two countries.

"Indeed, there are around 19,000 Indonesian students in Australia. But their education might not be disturbed because of the current political dynamics as education is above countries, politics and ideologies," the minister stated at the state palace complex on Tuesday.

He added that the Indonesian government would continue safeguarding and serving its students in Australia with regards to visa extension and other matters.

"Usually, there will be no problem when it comes to student affairs. They will go on as usual. This is a government-to-government problem," Nuh explained.

Indonesia had recalled its ambassador to Australia, following allegations that Australia had been spying on Indonesia.

Nuh said he hoped the case would not affect Indonesian students residing in Australia.

Meanwhile, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono stated that Indonesia would review a number of its cooperation agreements with Australia following reports of wiretapping conducted on a number of high ranking officials in Asia, including on Indonesia by Australia.

President Yudhoyono said on his Twitter account that Indonesia would ask for an official response from Australia with regards to the problem, which was acceptable to the general public in the country.

The President had ordered Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa to summon the countrys ambassador to Australia on Monday.

He had also expressed regret over Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott belittling the case in his statement.

On the other hand, a legislator has also supported the governments decision to summon the countrys ambassador to Australia in connection with the problem.

Hayono Isman from the House of Representatives Commission I, which oversees among others international affairs, said on Tuesday, "I think what the government has done is correct."

He said the House of Representatives (DPR) would also support the government if it wanted to reconsider or re-evaluate the presence of ambassadors from Australia and the United States in Indonesia.

"We would extend our support if the government wants to label the Australian ambassador to Indonesia as a persona non grata," he said.

Isman added that if "Any ambassador, not only from Australia or America, was found involved in wiretapping, Indonesian state officials deserved having his/her presence reviewed."

He, however, did not agree with severing all diplomatic relations between the two countries.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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