President Jokowi Postpones Visit to Australia over Security Situation in Jakarta

Sydney, 05 Safar 1438/05 November 2016 (MINA) – Indonesian President Joko Widodo has postponed his visit to Australia following an outbreak of violence in country’s capital Jakarta.

The Indonesian president, commonly referred to as Jokowi, is due to visit Australia from Sunday as the two countries forge closer ties, Xinhua reported.

However, tensions flared late Friday following a protest demanding the immediate jailing of Jakarta’s governor over comments he made about the Koran.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said on Saturday that Widodo had called him to express regret his first visit will have to be rescheduled as the security’s situation demands his personal attention.

“I said we were sorry we would not be able to welcome him to Australia tomorrow but entirely understood the need for him to remain in Indonesia at this time,” Turnbull said in a statement.

“We both expressed disappointment that the visit would not go ahead, particularly given the strength of the bilateral relationship and our personal friendship.”

The relationship between the two countries hit historic lows during former Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s tenure over Australia’s harsh border protection policies and the execution of two convicted Australian drug smugglers in Indonesia.

Since Turnbull ousted Abbott in a party room coup in September 2015, Australia and Indonesia have embarked on negotiations for a comprehensive economic partnership and enhanced cooperation in other areas of the relationship.

“President Widodo thanked me for Australia’s understanding (of the postponement) and noted his desire to conduct the visit as soon as mutually convenient dates can be identified,” Turnbull said. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)