Indonesia, Australia at territorial tension

JAKARTA - The Indonesian government on Friday demanded formal clarification for the recent intrusions by the Australian navy into its waters.

Agus R. Barnas, spokesman for the Indonesia's Coordinating Ministry for Politics, Law, and security, said the Indonesian government deplored and rejected the violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity by the Australian vessels.

"Indonesia asks for formal clarification through diplomatic means with regard to the said violation," he told a press conference at the ministry.

The Australian vessels entered Indonesian waters weeks ago while trying to turn back asylum seekers from entering the Australian waters. Earlier on Friday, Australia apologized for the incursions into the Indonesian waters.

The Indonesian government also seeks assurances from the Australian government that such incidents would not be repeated.

"Indonesia, therefore, demands that such violation will not recur in the future," said Agus.

The Indonesian government has slammed Australia's "turn back boats" policy, which the Indonesia government sees has potential to infringe its territorial integrity and sovereignty.

"Indonesia, for its part, will intensify its maritime patrol in areas where violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity is at risk," said Agus.