President Jokowi Postpones Visit to Australia After Massive Rally in Jakarta

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has decided to postpone state visit to Australia after massive rally on Friday in Jakarta calling for the prosecution of Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok), who was accused of blasphemy.

Jokowi was scheduled to leave the country on Saturday night for a two-day visit to Australia until Nov. 8.

Head of the mass media and information service of Presidential Secretariat Bey Machmudin said Jokowi has notified Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull about his decision about the postponement.

The president has told Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi to discuss new schedule of the planned visit.

Bey said the bilateral relations between the two countries have been in good condition with commitment to strengthening cooperation.

The Indonesian government thanked and appreciated the preparation made by the Australian government for the planned visit, he said.

The visit was in return of one made by the Australian Prime Minister here earlier. (WDY)