Former president of Indonesia Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has asked for understanding after pulling out of the
speaker's role at a Perth conference because of the Bali Nine pair's execution.
Dr Yudhoyono was billed as the keynote speaker at the University of Western Australia's In The Zone conference but vice chancellor Paul Johnson advised this week that he had decided not to appear in person due to "timing sensitivities".
Professor Johnson said Dr Yudhoyono would still deliver his speech via video link.
UWA chancellor Michael Chaney read out an apology letter at the event on Friday.
"I have closely followed the sad news of the current situation following the execution of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran," Dr Yudhoyono wrote to Dr Chaney.
"I had been so looking forward to taking part in the In the Zone conference but as you are aware this week has been a difficult and sensitive time between our countries, both at a government and people-to-people level.
"I hope the current disturbed relationship can be restored. This week, however, my presence in Perth would be counter-productive.
"I hope you will understand my decision."
He had expended considerable effort since his 2005 visit strengthening bilateral relations, and hoped the relationship between the nations could "withstand the strain of recent events", he said.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, who spoke at the forum, said she thought his statement was gracious.
"But it does indicate there is considerable disquiet in Indonesia about the position of the government," she told reporters.
The Australian government has been criticised by Australia's former ambassadors to Indonesia, and also by former foreign minister Bob Carr, for temporarily recalling the current ambassador Paul Grigson for consultations.
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