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Will Jokowi's decree on Natuna change the equation?
If China wants to sincerely solve its dispute with Indonesia, it can emulate the Indonesia-Australia deal.
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Chinese coast guard ship 3303 passes near Imam Bonjol warship 383 as the Indonesian Navy pursues the Han Tan Cou fishing vessel entering Indonesia's Natuna waters on June 17, 2021. The Navy caught the China-flagged boat suspected of illegal fishing in Indonesian waters. (Antara/Photo Courtesy of The Navy's Western Region Fleet Command (Koarmabar))
“Si vis pacem para bellum [if you want peace, prepare for war],” a Roman wise man once said.
The centuries-old adage inspired President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo when he issued last month a regulation that mandates the country’s anticipation for an increasingly more assertive China on its claim on fishing rights in the Natuna waters of Riau Islands province.
In its consideration, Presidential Regulation (Perpres) No. 41/2002 on the zoning plan between Natuna and the Natuna Sea, signed on March 17, stipulates the need for the government to uphold the Constitution, Law No.32/2014 on maritime affairs and a government regulation on sea zoning plans. There was no further explanation available when the new regulation was uploaded on the government's official website.
The Perpres is quite comprehensive as a guideline for government agencies, including the Indonesian Military (TNI), in maintaining national sovereignty on Natuna Islands and sovereign rights on the Natuna waters as has been recognized by the United Nations. Obviously, Indonesia is anticipating that one day, China may unilaterally claim its sovereignty over the Natuna waters based on its historical arguments.
The regulation sets out two policies to establish defense and security zones in Natuna. First, to manage an effective, efficient and environmentally friendly defense zone. Second, to boost security and defense infrastructure and facilities to support the exercise of national sovereignty and to maintain border security.
There are four strategies for managing the defense area.
First, to step up the effectiveness of activities in the defense area by making full use of areas adjacent to Natuna. Second, to control the environmental impacts of areas where military drills are conducted.
