Foreign minister Marty Natalegawa has been trying to call Ms Bishop, but she would not confirm whether she had spoken to him.

“I certainly take on board the concerns expressed by the Indonesian government. We note their deep concerns but … it is not practice for the Australian government to comment on intelligence matters and I intend to maintain that practice and that principle.”

Tension over spying ... Foreign Minister Julie Bishop will not give a "running commentary" on the diplomatic row between Australia and Indonesia. Credit:Reuters

Ms Bishop said she would not offer a “running commentary” on the diplomatic row, which has seen Indonesia withdraw its ambassador and demand an apology and an explanation.

Indonesian co-operation is crucial for the new Coalition government, especially on the issue of stopping asylum seeker boats, a key election promise.