While Indonesian has more troops, Australia possesses superior military technology and equipment than Indonesia.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The wiretapping of Indonesian officials by Australia will not lead to war, according to retired Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Tedjo Edhy.
In a press statement here on Friday night, the chairman of National Democrat Party (NasDem) Defense and Security Board said: "Indonesia and Australia will not wage war, because the process of war would take a long time."
Tedjo said while Indonesian has more troops, Australia possesses superior military technology and equipment than Indonesia.
In response to the wiretapping by Australia, the Indonesian Air Force on Friday withdrew five fighter jets participating in the joint Elang Ausido exercise.
Iswahyudi Military Airbase spokesman Colonel Minggit Prabowo said on Saturday in Magetan, East Java, that the five F-16 jets returned to the Indonesian airbase on Friday.
"The withdrawal of five fighter jets is part of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyonos policy following the wiretapping by Australian intelligence officials against a number of state officials, including the president himself and First Lady Ani Yudhoyono," Minggit said.
According to Minggit, the Elang Ausindo joint exercise will last until November 24, 2013. Due to the earlier wiretapping incident, Indonesia withdrew its five fighter jets, along with 60 Air Force personnel who were participating in the exercise.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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