President Yudhoyono also expressed disappointment with Australia, which, so far, has not provided any official clarification on the issue.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has urged Indonesian nationals in Australia to remain calm and carry on as usual even as ties between the two nations become increasingly strained over wire-tapping allegations.
"I urge Indonesian workers and students in Australia to stay calm and continue their activities as before because the governments of Indonesia and Australia have the responsibility of settling the matter," the president said in a press statement on Wednesday.
The head of state made the appeal after meeting with Indonesian Ambassador to Australia Najib Riphat Kesoema, Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Djoko Suyanto, Minister/State Secretary Sudi Silalahi, Cabinet Minister Dipo Alam and head of the State Intelligence Agency Marciano Norman.
President Yudhoyono added that he would send an official letter on the wire-tapping allegations to Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott.
"I am going to send an official letter to the Australian prime minister tonight to ask for his clarification and official stance on the wire-tapping carried out by Australia," he said.
President Yudhoyono also expressed disappointment with Australia, which, so far, has not provided any official clarification on the issue.
"The government of Indonesia has again expressed hope that Australia will offer clarification and state its official stance on the wiretapping issue," Yudhoyono added.
President Yudhoyono has also temporarily suspended cooperation with Australia on information and intelligence exchanges, joint military exercises and military operations related to human trafficking until the wire-tapping issue is resolved.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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