Indonesia 'considers' suspending Australia trade deal over Jerusalem stance

It's understood the Australian ambassador in Jakarta is seeking urgent talks with Indonesia's Foreign Minister.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Indonesian President Joko Widodo during the PM's August trip to Jakarta.Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Indonesian President Joko Widodo during the PM's August trip to Jakarta this year.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Indonesian President Joko Widodo during the PM's August trip to Jakarta this year. Source: AAP

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been pressed in Question Time over reports an Australian-Indonesia trade deal could be suspended.

The ABC is reporting that Indonesia is considering pulling its imminent trade deal with Australia over Mr Morrison's new position on Israel.

Earlier, Mr Morrison flagged following US President Donald Trump's lead and relocating the Australian embassy to  Jerusalem from Tel Aviv.

 

The move was slammed by Labor.

In Question Time, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten took aim at the PM over reports Indonesia was wavering on the trade deal following the policy change.

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Mr Morrison faces Question Time on Tuesday.

AAP

"Is the prime minister aware of the reports that Indonesia is reconsidering its trade deal with Australia as a result of the prime minister’s rushed announcement today? How many jobs could be at risk as a result of the day’s foreign policy on the run announcement about moving the embassy?" Mr Shorten asked.

The Prime Minister said he’d already spoken with the leader of the world’s largest Muslim nation.

“I have been in direct contact with President (Joko) Widodo over the course of last night,” he told Parliament on Tuesday afternoon.

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Indonesian President Joko Widodo

AFP - Sep 21, 2018

“I have been pleased to be able to explain very clearly the nature of the announcements I have made today and I have been very pleased with the response that I have received from President Widodo.”

Mr Morrison said he’d be seeking feedback when he attends several international summit in the next few months.

“That is actually how you make decisions. You consult with your friends, with your neighbours, with your allies,” he said.

"You do not unilaterally make this decision.”

 

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Indonesia is Australia’s eighth biggest trading partner, with investment valued at nearly 12 billion dollars last year, according to Department of Foreign Affairs.

It's understood Australia's ambassador to Jakarta is now seeking an urgent meeting with Indonesia's Foreign Minister to clarify the situation.


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