SYDNEY: Indonesia’s vice president yesterday played down suggestions of a rift with Australia, shrugging off disputes over asylum-seekers and spying as normal neighbourly problems.
Since Tony Abbott’s conservative government took office in September, relations between the strategic allies have been strained, mainly over how to deal with boatpeople heading for Australia via Indonesia.
They also took a hit after claims that Canberra’s overseas diplomatic posts, including in Jakarta, were involved in a vast US-led surveillance network.
But Vice President Boediono denied the relationship had been damaged.
“It’s normal for next-door neighbours to have problems,” he said in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
“I think Australians and Indonesians are quite committed to the long-term interests of both countries.” AFP
