Australia and Indonesia's diplomatic relations were strained in 2013. Australia conducted espionage against Indonesia, especially through the cell phones of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and several other Indonesian officials. Here is a list of Indonesian officials who were tapped:
- President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
- First Lady Kristiani Herawati or Ani Yudhoyono
- Vice President Boediono
- Former Vice President Jusuf Kalla
- Former Presidential Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs Dino Patti Djalal, who is now the Indonesian Ambassador to the United States of America,
- Former Presidential Spokesperson Andi Mallarangeng
- Former Minister of State Secretary Hatta Rajasa, who is now Coordinating Minister for the Economy,
- Former Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Sri Mulyani Indrawati, who is now Director of the World Bank
- Former Coordinating Minister, Political, Legal, and Human Rights, Widodo AS
- Former Minister of State-Owned Enterprises, Sofyan Djalil.
The eavesdropping by Australia is certainly a loss for Indonesia. Australia may know some important and highly confidential information about Indonesia, including Indonesia's defense plans. This is the reason why Indonesia has suffered several setbacks. This is a clear violation of Indonesia's privacy laws. Australia will be able to influence any future policies that Indonesia makes if they have complete information about the country. On the other hand, if Australia and Indonesia are two interdependent things, and if Australia knows every card that Indonesia holds, then Australia can predict and read every move that Indonesia will make.
Next, I will describe Indonesia's response to the 2013 Australian espionage case, revealing three very firm policies.
The Indonesian government requested information from the Australian Ambassador in Indonesia.
First, the Indonesian government asked the Australian ambassador to Indonesia, Greg Moriarty, to provide information on the wiretapping case being handled by Australia and recalled the Indonesian ambassador, Nadjib Riphat, who is currently in Canberra, Australia.
Revise and discontinue some cooperation between Indonesia and Australia.
Second, review the temporarily suspended cooperation between Australia and Indonesia, including some significant cooperation. In his speech, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono announced the suspension of a number of cooperative activities, including joint military exercises involving the army, airforce, and navy; information and intelligence sharing with Australia; and coordinated military patrols addressing bilateral issues between Indonesia and Australia.
Sending an official letter as a form of protest against Australia's wiretapping.
Third, in response to the wiretapping case, the president of Indonesia sent an official letter of protest to Australia. Even in the case of Australia's eavesdropping, SBY suggested not to react emotionally.
On the other hand, President SBY is aware of the anger and frustration of the Indonesian people over what Australia has done to his country. However, we should not get too hung up on international relations. The outcome of this wiretapping operation will determine the future of the friendship between Australia and Indonesia and their relationship with each other. In addition, according to President SBY, the state of the relationship and cooperation between Indonesia and Australia is good at the present time. Both countries are close and have good cooperation in regional and global forums, as well as in development cooperation. Tens of thousands of Indonesian students are currently pursuing their education in Australia, and nearly one million Australian tourists travel to Indonesia every year.
In addition to the Indonesian government, the Indonesian people have also expressed various reactions to the case, expressing their frustration and disappointment over the Australian wiretapping incident. The Indonesian people protested directly by holding a demonstration in front of the Australian Embassy office in Kuningan, South Jakarta. The demonstration was carried out by raising the Indonesian flag and burning Australian paper flags and posters with protest writings in front of the Australian embassy office as a form of disappointment with the country's actions and calling on Australia to admit its mistake. However, the Australian side did not accept the demonstrations made by the Indonesian people demanding that Australia apologize for the wiretapping that had been carried out. Tonny Abbot, the Australian Prime Minister at that time, also did not give an official apology but only said that he was sorry for the wiretapping case.
