According to police officials at the scene, the package (a letter with white powder) was found in the mail room at the embassy and is currently sent to ACT Pathology at Canberra Hospital for analysis. A hazmat team was called to the scene.
ACT Policing is responding to reports of a suspicious package located at the Indonesian Embassy in #Yarralumla. HAZMAT in attendance.
— ACT Policing (@ACTPolicing) May 4, 2015
The incident comes a week after Indonesia executed two Australian nationals, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, detained in the country on drug-related charges. They were executed by firing squad, despite Australia's call to spare their lives. The two men were arrested in Indonesia 10 years ago for attempting to smuggle 18 pounds of heroin to Australia.
Following the execution, Australia recalled its ambassador to Indonesia and suspended ministerial visits to the country.
HAZMAT team called to investigate an incident at the Indonesian embassy in Canberra @ABCNews24 pic.twitter.com/Cm2gdlYJMK
— Johanna Nicholson (@johanna_nic) May 4, 2015
Two hazardous materials vans and two fire trucks were earlier stationed outside the embassy on Darwin Avenue, which was closed to traffic.
Hazmat incident at Indonesian Embassy, unconfirmed report of a white powder scare @canberratimes #Canberra #CBR pic.twitter.com/nez1JNzmDV
— Emma Kelly (@EmmaLou_Kelly) May 4, 2015
European, Australian and other world leaders had stepped out in condemnation of Indonesia's stance on the death penalty. Indonesian president Joko Widodo stated earlier this week that the death penalty is part of the country's constitution, and that "other countries should respect the Indonesian law."
Indonesia resumed executions in 2013 following a four-year moratorium. None were carried out in 2014, however six people, including five foreigners, were executed in January of this year.
