Indonesia-Australia Military Cooperation is Suspended, President Jokowi Says

President Joko Widodo responds to reporters’ questions after opening National Working Meeting on Agricultural Development on Thursday (5/1), at Bidakara Hotel, Jakarta

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo admitted that he has received reports from Minister of Defense Ryamizard Ryacudu and Indonesian National Defence Forces Commander Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo regarding temporary suspension of Indonesia’s military cooperation with Australia. The President understands that the decision is taken due to principle matter.

“Firstly, the problem should be cleared because it is the matter of principle though it is only operational problem,” President Jokowi told the reporters after attending the Opening of National Working Meeting on Agricultural Development on Thursday (5/1), at Bidakara Hotel, Jakarta.

The President asserted that Indonesia and Australia have agreed to respect as well as appreciate each other, and do not meddle in each other’s internal affairs. “These are our agreements,” President Jokowi added.

Though the military cooperation is terminated, President Jokowi affimed that the relations between Indonesia and Australia is in good term. “The issue is only at operational level, I have to made this statement to keep the situation cool,” the President said.

For the records, President Jokowi instructed Minister of Defence and Indonesian National Defence Forces Commander to address the problem which caused a suspension of Indonesia’s military cooperation with Australia. (RMI/JAY/ES) (RAS/MMB/YM/Naster)