JAKARTA, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia has asked Australian authorities to investigate and arrest those who hoisted a Papua insurgent flag in its consulate premises in Melbourne, saying that such an incident was an intolerable crime.
"Australian authorities must undertake an investigation into the incident and take legal actions against those trespassing into our consulate premises in Melbourne," Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi was quoted by the official Antara news agency on Monday.
Referring to the 1961 Vienna Convention and 1963 Diplomatic and Consulate Relations, the Indonesian top diplomat pointed out that Australia has the responsibility to ensure the security and protect foreign country's mission operating in the host country.
The ministry's spokesperson Arrmanatha Nasir said earlier that Retno, who had contacted her Australian counterpart Julie Bishop on Saturday, demanded an investigation into the incident.
Meanwhile in Australia, Indonesian Ambassador Nadjib Riphat Kesoema has asked authorities to tighten security at the consulate in Melbourne.
The incident occurred on Friday noon when most of Indonesian staffs working in the consulate office made a prayer.
Two people intruded into the consulate, with one of them climbing up the premises' wall and briefly hoisted the flag of Free Papua Movement (OPM) insurgent group. The other one recorded the event with a camera.
Ties between Indonesia and Australia soured after Indonesia's decision to suspend military cooperation with Australia following the discovery of offensive training materials in an Australian military facility.
