Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa has criticised the Australian government for a lack of communication over its turning back of asylum-seeker boats to his country, saying “we are somewhat caught by surprise”.
Natalegawa, who spoke to Australian broadcaster SBS late on Tuesday, said that “this is certainly not something that we really appreciate”.
Indonesia has been angered by Australia’s efforts to stem the flow of asylum-seekers by establishing a military-led operation to turn the boats back to its Southeast Asian neighbour, where many originate.
Tensions between the two countries also grew after the Australian navy admitted entering Indonesia’s territorial waters during some of the turnback operations.
“It often comes to our notice when such a policy takes place after the event,” Natalegawa said, adding in response to a question on whether Australia notifies Indonesia when it turns back boats that “we are somewhat caught by surprise to be honest”.
“So far it’s been a very testing situation because we are seeing a policy that is often very difficult for us to be giving the impression of working hand-in-hand in unity,” he said.