"We have invited all the heads of state, including Australia, to the OGP conference. I am not aware of the reason behind the absence (of Abbott), only the Australian government can explain that," stated the minister after attending the opening ceremony of the OGP Conference in Nusa Dua area.
However, the minister pointed out that there are several issues that Indonesia and Australia need to settle, such as the six steps toward normalization of bilateral relations following the wire-tapping scandal allegedly conducted by Australia. Another issue to be worked out is the asylum seekers who try to illegally enter Australias territory through Indonesian waters.
"What Australia has been doing during the past months is clearly contrary to a comprehensive solution in handling the issue of asylum seekers. Australia seems to pass on its problem to its neighboring countries," Marty claimed, arguing that the issue of asylum seekers is a global problem, which needs to be handled collectively by related countries.
Earlier, Australias public broadcaster, the ABC, reported that Prime Minister Tony Abbott has abandoned a planned trip to Indonesia due to an "on-water operation," which the Australian Government sources believe has the potential to cause "embarrassment" to Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
Yudhoyono had invited Abbott to attend the OGP conference in Bali, next week, and plans were in place to make it happen. But, the trip was cancelled as a current asylum seeker operation was underway.
Consistent with the policy under Operation Sovereign Borders, the Government will not divulge details about the "on-water operation."
"The prime minister was hoping to attend the OGP conference in Bali, next week, at the invitation of President Yudhoyono," a spokesperson for Abbott noted in a statement on May 3.
"The prime minister is grateful for the invitation. Unfortunately, the prime minister is unable to attend at this time, and he hopes to visit Indonesia to meet with the president at a mutually convenient time," the spokesperson emphasized.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2014
