Australia apologises to Indonesia military over ‘insulting’ material

A military spat between two often uneasy Asia-Pacific neighbours may have been quelled after Australia expressed regret on Thursday and promised a thorough investigation of “insulting” teaching material found at a west Australian military base.

The “insulting” teaching material led to Indonesia suspending defence ties with Australia when Indonesian President Joko Widodo said on Thursday he had given his permission for the suspension of ties and that his defence minister and military chief had been asked to investigate.

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Australian Defence Minister Marise Payne said on Thursday an investigation into the offensive materials that were found at Campbell Barracks in the west Australian city of Perth would be concluded “imminently”.

“We have indicated our regret that this occurred and that offence was taken. I think that’s appropriate when a significant counterpart raises their concerns with you,” Payne told reporters in Sydney.

 

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