After much-criticised apology, Indonesian President Susilo replies to Najib's tweet

After three days, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono finally replied a tweet sent by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Razak regarding the haze issue which affected this region.

Najib’s tweet, which was sent on June 25, said that Malaysia has to work with Indonesia to provide a long-term solution to the haze problem.

The Indonesian president replied by saying that he agreed with the Prime Minister and to give the best for the people from both countries.

Previously on June 25, Susilo had apologised to Malaysia and Singapore openly over the haze emanating from forest and peatland fires in Sumatra.

"As the president, I apologise for what has happened and hope for understanding from our friends in Singapore and Malaysia," he told a news conference at the president's office Monday evening.

"For sure, what has taken place is not on purpose," he said.

Susilo’s open apology, however, brought many criticisms from his countrymen.

Quoting Kompas.com, leader of the Hanura party faction Syarifuddin Sudding said the president’s apology is demeaning to the people of Indonesia.

“SBY’s apology is not elegant and it has lowered the dignity of the Indonesia people on a bigger scale,” he said.

Former Vice President Jusuf Kalla questioned the need for the Susilo to apologise.

“Why need to apologise,” he said to news portal Republika.co.id.

President Susilo answered his critics and defending his apology to the two neighbouring countries.

“Due to the fact the haze is from Indonesia, we take responsibility, and saying sorry in that context, to me, is not excessive. At the same time, I need to explain what has happened wasn’t done intentionally. Indonesia has no intentions to trouble its neighbours,” he said to Inilah.com.