When have Indonesia ever co-operated with Australia?

So Indonesia will not co-operate with Australia in the control of illegal immigrants because we have been spying on them! Where is the story here? They have not done much to stop the corruption of officials, nor do they deploy there own resources when a boat is in trouble within their own waters. No, that is up to the Australian navy.

Now, if the headlines were to read “Indonesia to co-operate with Australia to stop the illegal boats”, then THAT would be news.

Maybe we should withdraw the $500 million we give in aid each year, (there is so much that could be done at home with these funds) and ask them to contribute to the costs of running Christmas Island etc.