The Solomon Islands Special Envoy to West Papua says that the government will only respond to what has been said in the media through proper diplomatic channels.

Indonesia's Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu has urged Australia to pass on a message to Pacific Island governments to not interfere in Indonesian domestic affairs.

Mr Horoi told Radio New Zealand that the fact that there has not been any formal communication (on the matter) either from Jakarta or from Canberra "there is no point in responding at this stage."

“We will not respond until we receive such communication through diplomatic channels," he said.

News that Indonesia had requested Australia to pass on a message of non-interference on the issue of West Papua to Solomon Islands raised alarm bells with Solomon Islanders.

The Indonesian Defence Minister also described Indonesia as a sleeping tiger that will react if pushed, drawing criticism from locals and abroad, describing such language as insensitive.