Indonesia reviews cooperation with Australia after spy claims

JAKARTA - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said Tuesday that Indonesia is reviewing cooperation with Canberra following allegations that Australian spy agencies tried to listen to his phone calls and those of his wife and ministers.

He said in a tweet that Jakarta is "reviewing the bilateral cooperation because of Australia's hurtful action". The comment came a day after Indonesia recalled its ambassador to Australia over the spying allegations.

He also hit out at Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott over the scandal, saying: "I also deplore the Australian PM's statement that wire-tapping Indonesia is considered a small thing, without any feeling of remorse."

"The acts by the US and Australia are very damaging to their strategic partnerships with Indonesia, a fellow democratic country," he added.

Australia and Indonesia are long-time allies and vital strategic partners, cooperating in areas such as asylum seekers heading to Australia via Indonesia and security.

The United States also reportedly carried out electronic surveillance from its embassy in Jakarta as part of a global spying network.