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Indonesia maintains good ties with China amid fishing row: Luhut
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Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Luhut Pandjaitan speaks to journalists in Jakarta. He insisted that the arrest of a Chinese fishing boat for alleged poaching in Natuna waters, Riau Islands, on Friday would not disrupt bilateral relations between Indonesia and China. (thejakartapost.com/Wienda Parwitasari)
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ndonesia has maintained good relations with China despite catching Chinese-flagged boats illegally fishing in its territorial waters a number of times, a minister said on Tuesday.
"Chinese boats entered Indonesia's exclusive economic zone, so went after them. It’s our territory, so others must obtain permission when it comes to economic affairs," Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Luhut Pandjaitan told reporters as quoted by Antara news agency.
"But we have maintained good relations with China," Luhut added.
The minister was referring to the latest incident in waters near the Natuna Islands, which under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) are in Indonesia's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The Indonesian Navy spotted 12 foreign boats apparently fishing illegally in its EEZ on Friday. After a prolonged pursuit during which the boats dispersed, Chinese boat Han Tan Cou 19038 and its crew of seven were detained.
When asked about a strong protest lodged by China in response to the incident, Luhut appeared unconcerned. "Leave it, we'll settle it. We will not give up our sovereignty," he said.
The government is planning to form a team of international maritime experts, led by senior diplomat Hasjim Djalal, to study the best solution for Indonesia to put a stop to rampant illegal fishing by Chinese vessels.
"He's the right person, more people will also be involved in assisting to formulate a clear stance," said Luhut. (liz/bbn)
