Abu Bakar Ba'asyir’s Case:
Australia Respects Indonesian Law
Tuesday, 27 June, 2006 | 15:50 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Batam: Australia respects Indonesian law concerning the release of Abu Bakar Ba'asyir. The statement was made by Australian Prime Minister John Howard in a press briefing with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at Nongsa Point Marina Hotel, Batam, yesterday. “We hope that Indonesia-Australia relations will continue to be warm,” he said.

It was the first meeting of Yudhoyono and Howard after both countries experienced a break in relations in line with Australia's decision to give temporary visas to 43 Papua asylum seekers in March this year.

According to Howard, despite Indonesia's releasing Ba'asyir, Australia has considered that its close relations with Indonesia will have to be sustained since Indonesia has made a commitment to eradicate terrorism.

During the meeting, Yudhoyono and Howard also discussed both countries' long relationship as well as the advancement of Indonesian democracy.

President Yudhoyono also explained a similar matter. The Indonesian government respects the decision of the Australian government that had refused three Indonesian citizens asking for a political asylum. While for the 43 asylum seekers, the President said that the Australian government has promised to look for the way out.

Before the meeting was held, according to Australian broadcasting service, ABC, Howard had sent a letter conveying his regret to the Indonesian court that had released Ba'asyir. In his reply, President Yudhoyono wrote that he could understand and sympathize with Australia, but refused Australia’s request to return Ba'asyir to prison.

“What he (Yudhoyono) wrote in the letter was that the law applying to Ba'asyir was Indonesian law. It's really akin to what I've said , to handle the matter of the 43 asylum seekers, it is Australian law that must be exercised,” Howard told the ABC.

Previously, Howard had stated that the Australian government could not intervene in the visa granting the asylum seekers their rights, for they have been guaranteed by Australian law.

Still in Batam, Syamsir Siregar, Head of the Intelligence Coordinating Body, said that Australia need not be afraid of Abu Bakar Ba'asyir. “It's foolish if they're afraid of Ba'asyir,” Syamsir answered Tempo later. Syamsir explained that Ba'asyir has gone through a process that is pursuant to Indonesian law.

RUMBADI DALLE, ABC