President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has insisted that Indonesia has sovereign rights over natural resources in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the North Natuna Sea while allowing foreign vessels to pass peacefully.

“I am here to ensure the enforcement of our sovereign rights over maritime natural resources in our EEZ,” Jokowi said as quoted in a press release issued by the State Palace on Wednesday.

“Why do we have the Navy and the Bakamla [Maritime Security Agency] here? They are here to enforce the law.”

Speaking at the Lampa Strait Fishing Port in Natuna regency, Riau Islands province, Jokowi was commenting on the presence of Chinese fishing vessels in the North Natuna Sea situated on the southern fringe of the South China Sea and whose name has yet to be internationally recognized.

The Chinese fishing vessels were escorted by China Coast Guard cutters that had chased off local fishermen from the area, claiming it was China’s “traditional fishing ground”. China bases its claim on its so-called “nine-dash-line”, which is not internationally accepted.

While foreign vessels can pass peacefully through a country’s EEZ, they must acquire proper documentation and licenses to conduct economic activities such as fishing and mining.

A country’s 200-nautical-mile EEZ does not constitute its territorial sea, which is only limited to 12 nautical miles.

Jokowi’s statement seemed to pour cold water on the possibility of a heated and protracted standoff in the North Natuna Sea. As did China’s recent softer tone in regard to the issue.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Tuesday that 2020 would be 70th anniversary of China-Indonesia diplomatic relations and as comprehensive strategic partners the two enjoyed broad cooperation, including under the Belt and Road Initiative.

As littoral countries of the South China Sea and major countries in the region, he said both China and Indonesia shouldered the important task of safeguarding regional peace and stability.  

“Regarding some recent maritime developments […] China and Indonesia have been in communication with each other through diplomatic channels,” he said in a statement quoted on the ministry’s website.

On the possibility of a summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Jokowi, he said the two sides were in communication regarding relevant arrangements.

“China always views the bilateral relationship with Indonesia from a strategic and long-term perspective,” Geng said.

“We believe Indonesia will also bear in mind the bigger picture of bilateral relations and regional stability, properly resolve differences with China, and foster a favorable atmosphere and conditions for celebrating the 70th anniversary of our diplomatic ties.

Jokowi arrived at Raden Sadjad Air Force Base in the Natuna regency seat of Ranai at 9:10 a.m. and was welcomed by, among others, Riau Islands acting governor Isdianto and Joint Defense Regional Command (Kogabwilhan) I commander Vice Adm. Yudo Margono.

From Lampa Strait Jokowi and his entourage were originally scheduled to inspect the waters off the Natuna Islands. However, the field inspection was canceled as a result of strong currents and unpredictable weather.

Jokowi headed to the Natuna regent’s office where he handed over land certificates to residents.

“I am handing over these land certificates so everyone may know that Natuna is [part] of our homeland Indonesia,” Jokowi said during his visit to the regent’s office.

In his speech, Jokowi said that only 26,000 out of 41,000 plots of land in the regency had been certified. He went on to reiterate that Natuna regency, along with its 81,000 residents, was a de facto and de jure part of the country.

Separately contacted, Bakamla chief Vice Adm. Taufiqoerrochman said he intended to resolve the ongoing dispute using a civilian approach by deploying Bakamla patrol vessels on the front lines to drive the Chinese coast guard and fishing vessels out of Natuna waters.

“Deploying white hulls [Bakamla vessels] instead of gray hulls [Navy vessels] will be construed as a more subtle, softer method. I have proposed on multiple occasions that Bakamla vessels be positioned on the front line,” he said.

Taufiqoerrochman said that meetings at the Office of the Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister had agreed to deploy Bakamla patrol boats on the front line. He declined to speculate on whether the current deployment could drive foreign vessels out of the EEZ. (rfa/dis)

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