INDONESIAN president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono says Prime Minister Tony Abbott has responded to allegations of spying, promising that Australia will never do anything again to disadvantage or hurt relations with Indonesia.

Initially Mr Abbott refused to provide an explanation of documents showing Australia spied on the president, his wife and key ministers in 2009.

But after Indonesia suspended cooperation on things like people smuggling and Mr Yudhoyono wrote to Mr Abbott personally, the Prime Minister responded.

Last night Mr Yudhoyono revealed some details of Mr Abbott's letter, saying the Prime Minister had made a promise.

"Australia will never do anything in the future that will bring disadvantage and disturb Indonesia," Mr Yudhoyono said.

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