Thursday, November 21, 2013

Indonesia spoiling for a fight





Indonesia is spoiling for a fight, determined to milk the phone-tapping scandal for all its worth.  They are so outraged by Australia's behaviour, a group is planning a demonstration outside the Australian Embassy in Jakarta today.  If something happens to a member of staff at the embassy, all hell will break loose.  As Tony Abbott takes precautions to ensure their safety, the Department of Foreign Affairs has updated its travel advice.

The protest has been organized by a group called the People's Coalition for Defence and Security (KMPH) and Australians already on holiday in Indonesia are being told to monitor local media.

Yesterday Indonesia announced they had cut off all co-operation with Australia, including people smuggling.  President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said he will send a letter to Tony Abbott demanding an apology.



John Kerry and Julie Bishop on November 20 in Washington



When John Kerry was asked if the US had asked Australia to tap the phones of the Indonesian President, his wife and their inner circle, he said "We just don't talk about intelligence matters in public and we're not going to begin now."

So the standoff continues to deteriorate with no apology forthcoming from Tony Abbott.

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