By Indonesia correspondent George Roberts, staff
Video: Indonesia confirms investigation in to asylum boat turn-backs (ABC News)
Photo: Asylum seekers told the ABC their boats had been turned back by the Australian Navy. (News Online Sydney)
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A spokesman for the Indonesian government has confirmed it is investigating reports Australia has begun turning asylum seeker boats back to Indonesian waters.
Asylum seekers from two boats that washed up on islands on Indonesia's far-east coast told the ABC earlier this month they were forced back by the Australian Navy.
One boat was allegedly left without sufficient fuel and drifted for days.
Yesterday, Immigration Minister Scott Morrison rejected reports an Australian vessel "shot in the air" during the interception of another asylum seeker boat within sight of Christmas Island.
The third boat was also turned back to Indonesia, according to Fairfax media reports.
A spokesman for Indonesia's minister for politics, law and security Djoko Suyanto says the department is working with the foreign ministry to investigate the claims.
Spokesman Agus Ruchyan Barnas says turning back asylum seeker boats could breach the 1951 UN Refugee convention, which Australia has ratified.
Mr Barnas says Indonesia will not lodge a complaint until the claims are verified and he has reiterated that Indonesia rejected the policy.
Meanwhile, Indonesian navy spokesman Colonel Julius Widjojono says areas of the ocean where Australian authorities are known to have turned boats around are being monitored.
Turned-back asylum seekers told to fend for themselves: reports
The development comes amid reports another group of 56 asylum seekers was sent back to Indonesia within the last week.
Fairfax media reports the asylum seekers from Pakistan and Bangladesh were "tricked" into thinking they were being taken to Christmas Island after they scuttled their wooden boat six days ago.
Instead, the men were reportedly put onto a bright orange lifeboat near the Indonesian shore.
The Indonesian captains were put at the helm of the lifeboat and the asylum seekers were handed a four-page document, according to the report.
"You only have enough fuel to reach land in Indonesia. You do not have enough fuel to continue your voyage to Australia," the document said.
"The master of your vessel is now responsible for your safety. You must co-operate with the master and not act in a manner that risks your safety. You are responsible for your own actions. Your vessel is not equipped for a voyage to Australia. It is not safe to continue your voyage to Australia.
"If you continue on your journey, the master and crew of your boat will face harsh penalties, which may include a jail term."
Fairfax says another boat was escorted back on December 26, bringing the number of turn-backs to five.
