Indonesia's response to Australian 'bribes' should focus on regional boats fix
Indonesian politicians, including Vice-President Jusuf Kalla, have exercised caution in their public statements on allegations that Australian officials paid people smugglers to return a boatload of asylum seekers to Indonesia.
The Indonesian government has so far tried not to accuse Australia of wrongdoing without strong evidence.
But Indonesia is demanding answers. Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said: "It's not difficult for Australia to answer my question ... regarding the issue of payment, and not to distract on the issue."
Indonesian officials should continue to respect the Australian government's decision not to publicly disclose operational or tactical matters regarding border security. Provocative remarks will only aggravate, rather than ease, tensions in the bilateral relationship.… Seguir leyendo »