(VOVworld)- Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said that Indonesia has canceled military and intelligence cooperation until the Australian government has an official response to the accusation of spying on Indonesian Presidents and top officials.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, accompanied by his first lady, Kristiani Herawati, speaks to his Democratic party supporters during a rally in Banda Aceh, Aceh province, in March 2009. Photo: Reuters

President Yudhoyono’s statement came just after the Indonesian authority summit on Wednesday. He said Indonesia has asked the Australian government for an answer on phone spying. Indonesia will stop joint military exercises, search and rescue as well as sharing intelligence with Australia. However, the Indonesian President also expressed his hope to improve relations with Australia if this scandal is resolved. Previously, Indonesia on Monday recalled its Ambassador in Australia to consult on this issue. The same day, in a Q&A session at the Australian Parliament, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott showed his regret over the issue and the impacts that the Indonesian President and his family have had to stand. Abbott on Tuesday affirmed that Australia does not have to explain or apologize for its intelligence activities and “what need to be done to protect the country”. The Indonesian President did not accept this statement.