ABC News reported that Australia has apologized to Indonesia over the Australian border patrol boats gaining entry into the Indonesian territorial waters without permission in its endeavor to stop asylum seekers.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia has condemned the recent violation of its maritime border by the Australian Navy when it reportedly turned back a boat full of illegal immigrants to the Indonesian waters, stated an official.

"Any breach of border area is a grave threat to bilateral relations. The Indonesian government has the right to protect its sovereignty based on the international law and the UN Charter," Deputy for Coordinating Minister for Politic, Law, and Security Vice Marshal Agus R. Barnas noted here on Friday.

According to him, the Indonesian government demanded an official clarification from the Australian side and a guarantee that such violations of the Indonesian territory will not be repeated in the future.

Agus also stated that the government had planned to beef up sea patrols in the areas, which are prone to such territorial violations.

On January 6, it was reported that the Australian navy had driven illegal immigrants from Africa and the Middle East into the Indonesian waters. The boat, which had 45 people hailing from Sudan, Eritrea, Somali, Ghana, Egypt, Yemen, and Lebanon, were left stranded on Rote Ndao, East Nusatenggara Province.

An Indonesian police official, quoting the leader of the stranded immigrants, noted that the Australian navy had provided the illegal immigrants with life buoys and communication equipment before driving them to the Indonesian waters.

Meanwhile, the ABC News reported on Friday (Jan. 17) that Australia has apologized to Indonesia over the Australian border patrol boats gaining entry into the Indonesian territorial waters without permission in its endeavor to stop asylum seekers.

The boat patrols had the potential to further mar the strained relations between the near neighbors. Indonesia was outraged and downgraded its relations with Australia two months ago, over the alleged tapping of phones belonging to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, his wife, and the members of his inner circle in 2009.

Border Protection Minister Scott Morrison issued a formal apology on behalf of the Australian government, which will be handed over by the Australian embassy in Jakarta, on Friday.

Morrison reported that Australias navy chief had already apologized to his Indonesian counterpart and Australias foreign minister had unsuccessfully attempted to contact her Indonesian counterpart to tender a formal apology. Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa was overseas on business.

After knowing about the incident on Wednesday, Morrison described the breaches as a very serious matter, which he believed was extremely regrettable.

"We will ensure that the issues, which led to these inadvertent breaches of Indonesian territorial sovereignty are rectified and do not re-occur," Morrison assured.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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