Indonesia suspends military cooperation with Australia

AFP: Indonesia has suspended military cooperation with Australia after training materials deemed offensive were found at an Australian army centre, officials said Wednesday, in a fresh flare-up of tensions between the neighbours. 

Cooperation including joint exercises and education and exchange programs were put on hold last month after an Indonesian officer raised concerns about the materials at an Australian army language training facility, officials from both countries said.

It was unclear what exactly in the materials had caused offence.

“Military cooperation with Australian forces has been suspended temporarily due to technical matters,” Indonesian military spokesman Wuryanto told AFP, but added that he hoped the problem would “be resolved soon”.

It was just the latest row between the key allies, whose relationship has been beset in recent years by disputes over Jakarta’s execution of Australian drug smugglers and Canberra’s hardline policy of turning migrant boats back to Indonesia.

Australian Defence Minister Marise Payne confirmed the suspension, saying in a statement: “Some interaction between the two defence organisations has been postponed until the matter is resolved.”

She said it related to “some teaching materials and remarks” at the language training centre, without giving further details.