Indonesia Asks Australia To Clarify Issue Of Paying Smugglers

Jakarta (Antara Bali) -- Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister A.M. Fachir confirmed here on Monday that Indonesia has asked for clarification over allegations that Australia paid the smugglers of refugees to make them take their passengers to Indonesia.

"Yes. We found out about it and asked for clarification over the issue yesterday," he told newsmen before heading to a cabinet meeting.

He added that Indonesia upheld the UNHCR's statement calling against the closure of access for refugees to the country.

"The UNHCR responded and that is what we are upholding," he emphasized.

According to Fachir, Indonesia has yet to take a stand on the issue pending clarification from Australia.

Moreover, Prime Minister Tony Abbot did not deny that Australian officers had paid smugglers of refugees wishing to enter Australia to prevent them from entering the country and make them direct their ship back to Indonesia.

In an interview with Radio 3AW on Friday, Prime Minister Abbot stated that the Australian security agency would do everything to stop refugee boats from entering the country.

According to several reports, Australian officers paid AUS$40,000 to the smugglers to prevent the boats carrying the refugees from entering Australia's northern waters and making them return to Indonesia.

In addition, Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla said on Monday that Canberra has likely breached ethics in its relations with Jakarta, if confirmation is received on media reports that Australia had paid human smugglers to turn back to Indonesian waters.

"Paying money to human smugglers is a form of bribery. It is a mistake committed not only by the people who bribe others but also by the state. That act is against the code of ethics in state relations," he informed journalists here on Monday.

However, Indonesia should first confirm whether the media reports are true before taking any action in response to the matter. (WDY)