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| Don’t insult us, don’t toy with us and don’t deny us justice – Indonesian President Susilio Bambang Yudhoyono laying down the law to Australia. |
Indonesia has a long history of threatening and intimidating Australia and its citizens as this article from our archives reveals.
Elizabeth Krantz 24 April 2006
Indonesia’s belligerence towards Australia was again on display when 43 West Papuan refugees in a dugout canoe washed up on Cape York last January and demanded asylum, claiming they were fleeing a brutal, repressive regime in their home country. Australian immigration officials assessed that they faced real danger if returned to Indonesia, and granted them temporary protection visas.
The Indonesian government immediately demanded the refugees be returned to Indonesia. Indonesian President Susilio Bambang Yudhoyono personally demanded of Prime Minister Howard the return of the refugees. Howard initially stood up to the Indonesian bullying, refusing to interfere in the immigration process.
Indonesia stepped up the threats. Indonesia’s Ambassador to Australia was recalled. Five Indonesian warships were despatched to patrol the waters to prevent further refugees escaping.