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Indonesia sends reinforcements to Natuna
Chinese fishing fleet remain in Indonesian EEZ
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Chinese fishing vessels have persisted and been seen catching fish in waters only 209 kilometers from Ranai, the capital of Natuna regency, Riau Islands. (Antara/M Risyal Hidayat)
I
ndonesia is sending reinforcements to the southern fringes of the South China Sea as a Chinese fishing fleet stubbornly remains in Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), with two more ships currently on the way.
Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) chief Vice Adm. Achmad Taufiqoerrochman said on Tuesday that Bakamla had detected two additional Chinese coast guard vessels in the North Natuna Sea, Riau Islands, but could not determine whether they had been deployed to patrol the waters or increase China’s presence in the area.
“There are three [Chinese] coast guard vessels [in Natuna] and two vessels are seen further north. We’ll see whether the ships are part of a rotation or serve as reinforcement because we also see a logistical boat,” he said after a meeting with Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Mahfud MD at the latter’s office.
“I have instructed the deployment of two Bakamla patrol boats from Batam [to Natuna].”
Bakamla had already stationed patrol boats in the area, according to Bakamla operational director Cdre. Nursyawal Embun.
“There are currently three patrol boats operating [in Natuna]: the KN Tanjung Datu, KN Pulau Nipah and KN Pulau Dana,” he told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday via text message.
Taufiqoerrochman also said his agency would support the government’s plan to settle more fishermen in the Natuna Islands by offering them protection.
