Aust embassy in Jakarta braces for protest
AAP
Karlis Salna, AAP Southeast Asia Correspondent - November 20, 2013, 10:35 pm
Police in Indonesia say demonstrations are likely to occur in front of the Australian Embassy in Jakarta on Thursday amid ongoing fallout over the phone-tapping controversy.
It's understood the Australian government will take precautions to ensure the safety of staff at the embassy, and a large police presence is also expected.
The development comes after Indonesia on Wednesday announced it was halting all co-operation with Australia on efforts to combat people smuggling after the phone-tapping controversy in a major blow to Prime Minister Tony Abbott's plan to stop the boats.
It's believed the embassy has advised staff to avoid the protests.
Should protests occur, staff will be not be allowed to enter or exit the building, which is on one of Jakarta's main streets.
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono says he will send a letter to Mr Abbott's government demanding an official apology and a full explanation as to why Australian spies targeted his mobile phone in 2009, as well as his wife's and some of his closest confidants.
It's understood the protest has been organised by a group called the People's Coalition for Defence and Security (KMPH).
At the time of reporting, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's website had not been updated to warn of any protest.
