Both the ambassador and minister avoided naming their target, but the exchange of harsh words between the two officials demonstrates the sensitivity of the issue for the two countries.

Many countries, including China, Vietnam and Thailand, have strongly protested the bombings and sinkings of the confiscated vessels of their fishermen by Susi, arguing that Indonesia does not have the right to treat their citizens like criminals just because they exploited much-needed marine resources.

Speaking on the second day of the United Nations-organized symposium on fisheries crime in Vienna last week, the ambassador said: “Enforcement of a violent nature, such as shooting and bombing and even informing Interpol to hunt the fishers, is not in line with international law, including UNCLOS [United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea], or regulations on fisheries.”

One day earlier, Susi told the audience that transnational fisheries crime was a serious business that mocked Indonesia’s national sovereignty. “I am glad that the perpetrators of these crimes have been punished,” Susi said proudly.

“Every state has the right to take enforcement actions pursuant to its national laws and regulations against any violation committed by any state,” Susi said later, countering Wang’s warning in a written statement.

Susi’s critics and opponents are quite right in criticizing her policies and even questioning her capacity as a Cabinet member. They may also be right in their claim that she is giving the nation fake hope and that she is merely a genius in managing public relations and manipulating people’s expectations.

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