REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The Indonesian government said on Tuesday it would not take lightly the spying by Australia intercepting phones calls by the country's president, his wife and other leaders.

"This, to be frank, is not something to be dismissed. We have recalled our ambassador in Canberra for consultation. We will evaluate from day to day," Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said here.

Marty said Indonesia will continue to be ready with steps to be taken if Australia would not immediately settle the problem, adding Indonesia is considering downgrading the bilateral relations.

"We will downgrade our relations with Australia. Let them take the final decision. This problem is not our doing. It is theirs, therefore they should find the solution," he said.

He said spying is unacceptable in international relations.

"Apart from damaging bilateral relations it is against the law and human rights, therefore, Australia should be responsible," he said.

In Canberra, Prime Minister Tony Abbott refused to apologize saying his first duty was to protect Australia and advance its national interest.

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