Canberra, Jakarta agree on hotline in bid to repair relations

JAKARTA — Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop tried to mend fences with Indonesia yesterday, saying her government will adhere to Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s six-point road map to restore relations between the two countries and also set up a hotline to manage the issues resulting from Indonesia’s withdrawal of cooperation.

Ms Bishop’s visit to Indonesia’s capital is the first by a senior Australian official since a row erupted last month over media reports that Canberra had spied on top Indonesian officials. These were based on documents provided by United States National Security Agency whistle-blower Edward Snowden.

Indonesia was outraged and downgraded its relations with Australia over the alleged tapping of phones belonging to Mr Yudhoyono, his wife and top Indonesian officials in 2009.

It suspended cooperation between the militaries and law enforcement agencies of the two countries, including work on people smuggling. It also recalled its Ambassador to Australia and Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said it is unclear when the envoy might be sent back.

Speaking to reporters after talks with Mr Natalegawa, Ms Bishop said: “Obviously, we regret events that led to this situation. We regret the hurt caused to President Yudhoyono and the Indonesian people.” She said the Australian government “will not undertake any act or use our assets and resources, including intelligence assets, in any way to harm Indonesia”.

The two countries agreed to establish a hotline to discuss any future issues to help avoid misunderstandings that could harm relations.

“We have agreed to establish a special communications channel, or a hotline, to ensure we can resolve the issues ... so we can avoid any unintended consequences,” Ms Bishop said.

“We are pleased that our cooperation will continue in economic, financial areas, education and trade and investment,” she added.

But Mr Natalegawa said it was only the start and Mr Yudhoyono was pleased with the outcome.

“I think today’s meeting can contribute to restoring the relationship, but the six-point road map is there and there’s a long way to go,” he said, referring to demands Indonesia wants met in response to the spying report.

He said progress in restoring relations will occur in steps, “but the ball is always on the Australian side because all will depend on the core problem: How to rebuild mutual trust”.

Mr Yudhoyono has said he wants the countries to establish a code of conduct to help relations move forward. Agencies