Australia Espionage: Indonesia

During the era of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, an espionage incident occurred which became hot news in the mass media, when Edward Snowden also included the names of several Indonesian officials who were victims of wiretapping in Asia carried out by SIGINT, especially Australia. At that time, President SBY (Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono) became upset after finding out that his cellphone had been tapped by the Australian Intelligence Agency. The news about the case carried out by Australia against several officials in Indonesia raises questions on what basis Indonesia is responding to this case. Reported by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, in 2013, Indonesia expressed disappointment with Australia regarding the wiretapping case and asked for an official explanation and response from Australia.

Indonesia took several steps in response to this wiretapping action. First, Indonesia asked for official clarification and clarity from Australia, secondly, the Indonesian government protested by stopping and rethinking a number of bilateral collaborations with Australia for the time being until there was a clear response and confidence that there would be no eavesdropping on the state's interest-bearing guards. Even though Indonesia showed disappointment regarding the wiretapping action carried out by Australia and Indonesia as the parties that decided on a number of collaborations, Indonesia was the first to contact Australia after the disclosure of this case.

National Security Theory

According to Edy Prasetyono, national security is a government political policy which aims to uphold a safe and conducive situation for the administration of government so that it is able to maintain vital national goals from all disturbances and threats (Muhammad, 2017). National security does not only cover state security but also emphasizes the security of individuals and society in a country. Australia's espionage against several important people in Indonesia could threaten Indonesia's security. Edward Snowden leaked one of the secret documents belonging to the Australian Ministry of Defense (Department of Defense) by tapping the cellphones of the Indonesian President at the time, namely Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and several important people in Indonesia. This wiretapping can be used by Australia to obtain confidential information from Indonesia, including information related to national defense and security. This confidential information can be used by Australia to harm Indonesia, either directly or indirect.