FM: Australia Did Not Summon Indonesian Ambassador to Australia

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's Ministry for Foreign Affairs Retno L.P. Marsudi said that Australia's Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade did not summon Indonesia's Ambassador to Australia in relation to the photo of Denpasar's Police Chief with two death row convicts from Australia, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, which has made its' rounds on the internet.

"We wish to clarify that our Ambassador was not summoned by Australia's Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade, and that I have been communicating with the person in question who explained to me that he had not been summon by anyone from the Ministry," said Retno in Jakarta on Friday.

Retno said that the Ministry for Foreign Affairs have continued to communicate with Indonesia's Ambassador to Australia, Najib Riphat Kesoema, to monitor the development of the situation.

The Ministry also clarified that Indonesia will remain friendly with Australia and any other country for that matter. "We have no intention to damage nor undermine our relationship and communication with Australia. Since the very start, [the executions] is matter of law enforcement," said Retno.

According to information broadcasted by Australian media ABC, Australia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade plans to summon Indonesian Ambassador to Indonesia to Australia, Najib Riphat Kesoema on Friday.

Australia's Secretary for Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Peter Varghese said that he plans to issue a note of protest with regards to the publication of pictures of death row convicts transfer, and the use of excessive force in the transfer of both convicts.

Meanwhile, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Julie Bishop expressed her surprise in the use of special security forces to guard the transfer of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran to Nusa Kambangan Corrections Centre.

Bishop had previously said that she will attempt a last-ditch measure to rescue Chan and Sukumaran by offering the transfer of three Indonesians being held in Indonesia for drug violations in exchange for the Bali Nine duo.

ANTARA