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strong>March 28, 2016

An expert has argued that Indonesia is in a weak position in regards to its maritime dispute with China following an incident in the Natuna Sea because Indonesian patrol boats are not recognized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

In accordance with a 1982 United Nations convention, the international community only recognizes two types of boats operating in exclusive economic zones (EEZ), namely government boats and navy ships.

The boats must also be registered with the International Maritime Organization, said Connie Rahakundi Bakrie, president of the Indonesia Institute for Maritime Studies.

Your comments:

The weak position is that they need bigger guns. The IMO won'€™t be able to settle anything.

Orang Biasa

Why do most Indonesians always either want to go to war or want to settle any conflicts aggressively? This news shows that not only does Indonesia not have any diplomatic powers, but it also shows the true position of Indonesia in the eyes of the world.

Those people who still think Indonesia is a great country should listen and think more about the choices and decisions they make in life.

Entut

Yes, you cannot use the IMO to settle disputes. I know the rule of law is a pretty difficult concept for Indonesia, but if you want to use the rules you also have to adhere to them.

To date there has been no evidence presented that this boat was fishing; ergo an Indonesian state vessel may have committed an act of war.

Be very careful what you wish for. The Chinese are very keen to bring their military to the theater and you have just given them an excuse.

Nomercy

Is the rule of law a difficult concept for Indonesia? Absolutely not.

We build our nation based on the 1945 Constitution, which is the basic of rule of law. Indonesia loves peaceful relationships with other countries, but violations against its sovereignty are intolerable.

The Chinese fleet was defeated in Java about 600 years ago. Will they want to suffer a similar defeat?

Toteaux

The rule of law is not about what is written in the Constitution or in other laws. It is about what you do with it. And that is the problem in Indonesia.

Lack of integrity and professionalism in all levels of society means the law is never applied equally in Indonesia. Therefore, even when innocent, it will be very hard for the Chinese fishermen to get away without
punishment.

Sorong

How are you going to defeat  China'€™s navy this time? Remember the Konfrontasi (confrontation) in the 1960s when Indonesia was flatly defeated by the Malaysian Federation.

Silvio Bari

Connie has also to look if the Chinese vessels were registered or not.

Jalasveva

There is no evidence to date that the boat violated our EEZ. It is allowed to be there. It is not allowed to engage in commercial activity. Prove commercial activity and you have a case.

To date, no evidence has been presented. In fact, conflicting statements suggest the Indonesian crew made a mistake.

This action had justified China escorting its vessels with its navy.

Nome

Following Connie'€™s outlook, the police must use their officially registered patrol cars to chase criminals. If not, the act must not be legally accepted. The problem here is not about registered patrol boats.

The Chinese Coast Guard has clearly violated the Indonesian EEZ and the international law of the sea.

Tote

It is ironic. Indonesian bureaucracy requires so much paperwork and documents, not to mention '€œunder-the-table'€ rupiah, and yet they can'€™t even take care of their own documentation.

China and all the other countries who have had boats confiscated and destroyed should sue this country. It would be a good lesson for the government.

Willo1246

China now will claim that because the Indonesian boat was not internationally recognized in the last incident then the eight arrested fishermen from that incident should be immediately released and the Indonesian government should make an apology.

Eddi