Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/2013/11/19/indonesia_creates_twitter_diplomacy/

Indonesia turns Twitter into very leaky diplomatic bag

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono unleashes epic rant against spying

By Richard Chirgwin

Posted in Legal, 19th November 2013 04:01 GMT

Allegations about Australian spying on Indonesia – or, more accurately, Australia's political response to the allegations – has set the Indonesian president, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, or SBY as he's known to the polysyllabically-challenged, on an epic Twitter-rant.

The allegations – which included the accusation that Australian spies had monitored and tried to intercept the president's mobile phone - “SBY's” (as he is often nicknamed, and as he signs his Tweets) mobile phone – have set teeth on edge and driven diplomatic relations between the two countries off a cliff.

Along the way, the Australian government has tried “neither confirm nor deny” without success, and switched to “nod-nod-wink-wink everybody spies” and "we only spy to help people", still without mollifying Indonesia, which is recalling its ambassador to Australia.

SBY's rant is given below, with machine translation.

“Since [they] are tapping us & Australia [has] information on many countries, including Indonesia, we've protested loudly. SBY”

“Foreign Affairs and government officials are also doing effective diplomacy, while asking for an explanation and clarification of the U.S. and Australia. SBY”

“Today, I have instructed Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa summoned to Jakarta For Ambassador For Australia. This established firm diplomacy. SBY”

“Since no information [about] wiretapping U.S. and Australia against many countries, including Indonesia, we've protested loudly. SBY”

“Indonesia also asked Australia to give the official answer, the general public and can be understood on the wiretapping of Indonesia. SBY”

“We will also review a number of bilateral cooperation agenda, due to the treatment painful Australia. SBY”

“U.S. & Australian acts very wounding [to] strategic partnership with Indonesia, a fellow democratic country. SBY”

“I also deplore the statement that Australian Prime underestimate[s] the wiretapping of Indonesia, without the guilt. SBY”

As far as The Register is aware, this is probably the first serious application of Twitter to international diplomacy. ®