"If relations between the two countries worsen, Australia will be the party that will be at a disadvantage because Indonesia is the gateway for Canberra`s influence in Asia," Anies Baswedan said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Australia faces the threat of losing influence in Asia if it fails to apologize to Indonesia over the spying allegations, an international communications expert has said.

"If relations between the two countries worsen, Australia will be the party that will be at a disadvantage because Indonesia is the gateway for Canberras influence in Asia," Anies Baswedan, who is also rector of Paramadina University, said here on Thursday.

Baswedan, who is one of the Democratic Partys (PD) Presidential Convention contestants, noted that Indonesia has a strong bargaining position and could insist that Australia issue an apology over the alleged spying activities.

"Australia needs Indonesia more than Indonesia needs Australia," he added.

The Indonesian government has suspended a number of cooperation agreements with Australia in connection with the alleged wire-tapping by Australian intelligence agencies. However, the steps taken by the Indonesian government have not yet prompted Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott to issue an official apology.

Abbott has to apologize in front of the Australian Parliament, and admit that wiretapping is a normal practice carried out by all countries.

According to Anies, Indonesia must take a firm stand against Australia.

"The wire-tapping by Australia was an inappropriate action that belittled the Indonesian people. Therefore, the Indonesian government must adopt a firmer position on the matter," Anies said.

The Indonesian government had recalled its ambassador to Australia in protest over the illegal wire-tapping conducted by Australian surveillance agencies.

On Wednesday, President Yudhoyono held a meeting with the Indonesian ambassador to Australia, Najib Riphat Kesoema, to discuss the latest developments.

Following the meeting, the President had ordered the suspension of several cooperation programs with Australia.

"I want them to be suspended until everything is clarified. We are unlikely to continue with the programs if we are not certain there has been no wire-tapping," President Yudhoyono said.

The cooperation programs that have been suspended include the exchange of intelligence information, joint military exercises and military operations to curb human trafficking, he added.

The President stated that he would also review other areas of cooperation with Australia.

In future, there must be a code of conduct and guiding principles to establish cooperation with Australia, he noted.

Documents released by whistle-blower Edward Snowden revealed that in 2009, Australias Defense Signals Directorate tapped the personal mobile phones of both Yudhoyono and his wife, Kristiani Herawati, as well as eight others in the Presidents inner circle, including Vice President Boediono.

According to a report by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Australias Greens Senator Scott Ludlam stated that such surveillance should only be reserved for terrorism suspects.

"Are we seriously meant to accept that the President of Indonesia, his wife and his leadership team are a national security threat to Australia? Because if theyre not, then why are their phones being hacked?" he asked.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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