"Indonesia does not intend to harm relations. We are still communicating with our friends in Australia. This is a legal issue that should be resolved," Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno L. P. Marsudi said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno L. P. Marsudi has denied reports claiming that the Australian government summoned the Indonesian ambassador.

It was alleged that the ambassador was summoned over the photograph released of the Denpasar police chief with the Australian Bali Nine pair, Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan.

"I have communicated with the Indonesian ambassador to Australia regarding the report on being called by the Australian Foreign Affairs Ministry. There has been no summons from their ministry so far," Marsudi said here on Friday.

She added that her ministry keeps communicating with Ambassador Najib Riphat Kesoema to follow up on recent developments in the Australian governments stance.

"We are in constant touch with Ambassador Kesoema. There has been no summons from the Australian Foreign Affairs Ministry," she affirmed.

The minister stated that Indonesia always strives to build good relations with Australia and other countries.

"Indonesia does not intend to harm relations. We are still communicating with our friends in Australia. This is a legal issue that should be resolved," Marsudi emphasized.

Furthermore, Australian media house ABC stated that the Foreign Affairs Ministry will summon Ambassador Kesoema on Friday.

Also, Secretary of the Australian Foreign Affairs Ministry Peter Varghese noted that they will send a letter of protest related to the photographs of the transfer of the two inmates from Kerobokan Prison in Bali to Nusakambangan Prison in Central Java province.

The Australian government has also objected to the disproportionate security measures during the transfer of the Bali Nine members.

Chan and Sukumaran were moved from Krobokan Prison and flown to Cilacap on Wednesday morning (March 4), where they will be executed.

In addition, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has turned down their requests for clemency.

He had said earlier that no drug trafficker sentenced to death will be granted clemency. (*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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