Australian envoy summoned over antiterrorism raids

Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The government summoned an Australian embassy official on Friday to express its concerns over the on-going raids against Indonesian citizens in that country.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Marty Natalegawa said Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda had met with an Australian embassy representative in Jakarta to reiterate Indonesia's concerns over searches of homes belonging to its citizens in Australia.

Marty did not name the representative but a source at the foreign ministry said Hassan met with deputy ambassador Neil Mules.

Prime Minister John Howard appointed former Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Richard Smith as defense secretary in October and has not appointed a replacement.

Marty said Canberra had not informed Indonesia's mission there of its intention to search houses belonging to Indonesians.

"They are obliged to inform us about the raids but until now they have not told us officially," Marty said during a weekly press briefing.

Marty said at least six Indonesian citizens and one Indonesian-born Australian had been subjected to the raids.

He also said that another six Indonesians had been arrested for immigration violations.

"During the meeting, the Australian gave us assurances the raids were not targeting Indonesians or Muslims, and that they (the raids) were not conducted nationwide," Marty said.

In the wake of the Oct. 12 Bali bombing, which killed almost 190 people, mostly Australian holiday makers, Canberra has embarked on a nationwide crackdown against shadowy terrorist network Jamaah Islamiyah.

Civil libertarians in Australia slammed the raids as publicity stunts to prove Australia was tough on terrorism.

But on Friday, Prime Minister Howard defended the raids, saying they were conducted to prevent possible attacks on Australian interests, were in line with international law and would continue.

"There were reasons for those raids and I defend 100 percent what ASIO has done. I find it amazing that people could seriously question the national need for this to happen," Howard was quoted by AFP as saying.

Earlier on Thursday, Hassan said Indonesia respected Australia's right to conduct such investigations, but questioned the force used to do so.

Marty said the raids should not jeopardize the slowly improving relationship of the two countries, especially in handling the Bali bomb explosions.

"We have a great cooperation in the investigation of the Bali case and the improving relations should not be jeopardized by the reckless action of Australian security," Marty said.