Extract from ABC News website:
Updated
Indonesia has fired back at Tony Abbott, saying it is
"unhelpful" to bilateral relations for the Prime Minister to keep
pursuing a policy of turning back asylum seeker boats.
Australia
has admitted entering Indonesian waters without permission while trying
to stop asylum seeker boats, and Mr Abbott said this week that his
Government is committed to continuing the policy.Indonesian foreign minister Marty Natalegawa said his country's security minister has made it clear that naval patrols have been beefed up in response.
"There was an indication that we will strengthen our border protection," he said from Switzerland, where the World Economic Forum and Geneva II talks on Syria are being held.
"I think that is a matter of public information that we have taken that decision."
But Dr Natalegawa played down reports that changes to Indonesia's radar arrangements, reported in local and Australian media, indicated the country was going on a war footing.
"Like we have said all along, we find it quite unhelpful to have this policy," Dr Natalegawa said.
"I have said in the past, this can be a slippery slope.
"That's why we feel that it would be best if we all take stock of where we are just now and ensure that things don't get out of hand."
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