New deadline set for asylum seeker stand-off

Geoff Thomson, Tanjung Pinang

Last Updated: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:41:00 +1100

A new deadline has been set to resolve the stand-off with a group of Sri Lankan asylum seekers on board the Australian customs ship Oceanic Viking.

The group's been refusing identity and medical checks, and have refused to disembark onto Indonesian soil, saying they want to go to Australia.

Australian officials were adamant the Sri Lankans would be processed in Indonesia, but Indonesian officials say they will not make them disembark by force.

Diplomatic Security Director for the Indonesian department of Foreign Affairs, Dr Sujatmiko, remained non-committal about what the asylum seekers' fate would be.

"The security clearance of the ship has been expired on Monday, so we are going to extend until maybe Friday, and let's see what will be happening during this period," he said.

Negotiations

Dr Sujatmiko, went aboard the Oceanic Viking on Tuesday.

He confirmed to the ABC that while the crew aboard the ship were very co-operative and discussions were cordial and polite, negotiations about them agreeing to come ashore in Indonesia are at a stalemate.

"They do not want to get off the ship," said Dr Sumatjiko.

"We will do what we can...but we cannot ask them...cannot force them.

"They rejected our offer for a medical examination so we cannot do anything."

Use of force possible

Earlier, Australia's Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, did not rule out the use of force to get the group of asylum seekers off the Oceanic Viking.

Mr Rudd says he's confident officials will be careful in how they deal with the situation.

"As for the disembarkation of individuals from the Oceanic Viking to the Port within Indonesia, I'm sure that will be handled as appropriately as possible by Australian and Indonesian personnel in what will be a very difficult operation," he said.

Locals voice disapproval

Local leaders in the Riau islands are protesting against Jakarta's decision to use Indonesia as what they've called "a dumping ground."

The deputy governor of the Riau Islands, Fauzi Helmi has confirmed to the ABC that he and Governor Ismeth Abdullah totally reject the arrival of the 78 Sri Lankans aboard the Oceanic Viking moored off Bintan Island.

He said if Australia is willing to help, they should take them in.

However, Fauzi Helmi also conceded that as this was a foreign affairs issue, his administration was powerless to refuse Jakarta's orders.

He said the central government will be obeyed but only on the condition that the asylum seekers stay for not more than one month.

Jakarta has indicated it will listen to the local government's concerns.

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