Australian embassy in Jakarta braces for protest

The Australian government will take precautions to ensure the safety of staff at its embassy in Jakarta, with demonstrations expected.

jakarta_australia_embassy_aap.jpg

(AAP)

Police in Indonesia say demonstrations are likely to occur in front of the Australian Embassy in Jakarta on Thursday amid ongoing fallout over the phone-tapping controversy.

It's understood the Australian government will take precautions to ensure the safety of staff at the embassy, and a large police presence is also expected.

The development comes after Indonesia on Wednesday announced it was halting all co-operation with Australia on efforts to combat people smuggling after the phone-tapping controversy in a major blow to Prime Minister Tony Abbott's plan to stop the boats.

It's believed the embassy has advised staff to avoid the protests.

Should protests occur, staff will be not be allowed to enter or exit the building, which is on one of Jakarta's main streets.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono says he will send a letter to Mr Abbott's government demanding an official apology and a full explanation as to why Australian spies targeted his mobile phone in 2009, as well as his wife's and some of his closest confidants.

It's understood the protest has been organised by a group called the People's Coalition for Defence and Security (KMPH).

At the time of reporting, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's website had not been updated to warn of any protest.


Share

2 min read

Published

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world