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ov. 26, Online

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has instructed Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa to demand an explanation from the Singaporean and South Korean ambassadors over their alleged involvement in wiretapping operations.

Your comments:  

I wonder how the South Koreans and Singaporeans will respond to these '€œdemands'€?

Malaysia, India, China, Russia and Japan also spy on Indonesia. Will Indonesia also '€œdemand'€ explanations from them?

I don'€™t think the word '€œdemand'€ is very useful or likely to win much assistance in these matters. Further '€œdemands'€ and threats may soon see Indonesia feeling very lonely.

Jack Richards

I hope after this, Indonesia will more closely cooperate with Malaysia, Brunei and Thailand. Don'€™t trust Australia, the US, Singapore and South Korea anymore.

Panji Nusantara

It'€™s easier to deal with Singapore and South Korea because they are interested in trading purposes only.

Roisy

I'€™d say this will wash over pretty quickly. SBY is just beating his chest over Australia. These other Asian countries will be treated differently for sure.

Nic

South Korea'€™s involvement is more of a major issue for Indonesia as a trading partner. I bet Indonesia will go very lightly with this country as there'€™s more to lose.

Also, Indonesia does not want to isolate itself too much as it will seriously hurt its own economy.

Let'€™s look at Indonesia'€™s trade. Its major imports come from Singapore, China and Japan. Its exports go to Japan, China and the US.

Looking at the list, you wouldn'€™t want to destroy any trade links with Singapore, China, Japan and the US. You can forget countries like South Korea as it only accounts for 8 percent.  

Al