"Frankly speaking, what Brazil did was not diplomatic by any means. This is a disappointment with regard to the respectful relationship we had."
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Brazil offended the government and people of Indonesia by canceling the credentials presentation ceremony of its ambassador-designate to the country the day it was scheduled to be held.

This statement was made by Director General of America and Europe of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Dian Triansah Djani.

"Of course, we are offended. I have informed him (the Brazilian ambassador to Indonesia) that their act was unacceptable and did not meet diplomatic principles. We have made note of what Brazil has done," Djani said at the Foreign Affairs Ministrys office here on Monday evening.

Indonesian ambassador-designate to Brazil Toto Riyanto had been officially invited by the Brazilian government to present his credential letter to President Dilma Rousseff on Friday (February 20).

However, when he arrived at the presidential palace after being received following official protocol, he was told that the ceremony was postponed.

The Indonesian government believes that this incident is related to the plan to execute the death penalty given to Rodrigo Gularte, a Brazilian national who was convicted in 2005 after he was arrested for smuggling 6 kilograms of cocaine hidden inside his surfboard.

At 10 p.m. on the day of the incident, Djani called the Brazilian Ambassador to Indonesia to express their deep disappointment and make it clear that it had offended the government of Indonesia and its people.

"While we are a friendly country and will continue to engage with other countries, these relations must be based on mutual respect and acceptance of the nations respective sovereignty. We are clear on this matter," Djani emphasized.

"Frankly speaking, what Brazil did was not diplomatic by any means. This is a disappointment with regard to the respectful relationship we had," he added.

The Indonesian government, on President Joko Widodos instruction, recalled Riyanto and asked him to catch the first flight to Indonesia on February 21. After he arrived in Jakarta on Monday, he directly reported the incident to Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi.

"This is a serious matter. Recalling our ambassador cannot be viewed as a soft response. It is a strong protest," Djani remarked.

Indonesia also sent a protest note to the Brazilian government and stressed that the execution of narcotics convicts is part of its law, considering the negative impacts drugs have on Indonesian people, particularly on the youth.
(T.A060/A/KR-BSR/B003)

Reporter: Azi Fitriyanti
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2015