By: Ahmad Pahlevi) *
President Jokowi came to Natuna on Wednesday (1/8/2020) amidst the issue of alleged sovereignty violations by the Chinese Ship. President Jokowi’s visit to Natuna produced positive results because Chinese ships immediately left Natuna waters.
Tension due to the presence of Chinese Ships in Indonesia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in Natuna is now beginning to ease. As one of the government’s firm steps to safeguard the Sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia, President Joko Widodo has made a working visit to Natuna Regency, Riau Islands Province to directly monitor the situation that occurs in Natuna Waters.
Wednesday, January 8, 2020 around 07.35 WIB, President Jokowi and his entourage took off from Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Jakarta, using the Indonesia-1 Presidential Aircraft. Arriving at the Air Force Base Raden Sadjad, Natuna Regency, Jokowi and his entourage will go directly to the Center for Marine and Integrated Fisheries (SKPT) of the Lampa Strait, Natuna Regency.
During his working visit, President Jokowi was accompanied by Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Arifin Tasrif, Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko, TNI Commander Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto, and Deputy Minister of Agrarian and Spatial Planning / Deputy Head of BPN Surya Tjandra.
In addition, the Head of the Presidential Secretariat Heru Budi Hartono, the Military Secretary of the President, TNI Major General Suharyanto, Paspampres Maj. Gen. Maruli Simanjuntak, Deputy for Protocol, Press, and Media, Presidential Secretariat Bey Machmudin, and Presidential Spokesman M. Fadjroel Rachman.
Before his departure to Natuna, President Jokowi had spoken out about China’s claims to Natuna waters. He stressed that there was no bargaining, especially with regard to the issue of Indonesian sovereignty. This was stated in front of the ministers of the Advanced Indonesian Cabinet and the leaders of the country’s high institutions.
The Indonesian government has taken a firm stand from the start by staging strong protests against China regarding the presence of foreign ships in the Natuna Sea. The protest note was filed by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Chinese government on 30 December 2019. The Indonesian government states that China’s claim is unilateral, has no legal basis, and is not recognized by UNCLOS 1982.
However, the Chinese government through its Foreign Ministry spokesman said it had the right to these waters based on the Nine Dash Line concept. Based on this concept, China claims a large portion of the South China Sea region, which takes up about 30% of the Indonesian sea in Natuna.
The year 2020 is actually the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Indonesia. This year should be an important year for national development in both countries. However, the Natuna waters claim problem seems to have made the relationship heats up.
Even so, responding to the Chinese Coast Guard in Natuna Waters who are still reluctant to leave, the Government will continue to intensify patrols and mobilize fishermen to these waters to maintain the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia. The TNI and the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) will also continue to be alerted in Natuna waters.
In addition to Bakamla’s ships, three KRIs were sent by the Navy to North Natuna, namely the KRI Tjiptadi corvette 381, KRI Teuku Umar 385 and KRI Usman-Harun 359. Five other KRIs were also on their way to Natuna. The five ships are KRI Karel Satsuit Tubun 356, KRI John Lie 358, KRI Tarakan 905, KRI Sutendi Senoputra 378, and KRI Sibolga Bay 536. Besides the Indonesian Navy, the Indonesian Air Force also sent four F-16 fighter jets.
The Border Youth Organization, which was initiated by the Indonesian National Youth Commission (KNPI) of the Natuna Regency consisting of elements of the fishing community, also condemned the presence of foreign fishermen in Natuna. The Border Youths also declared themselves to unite in support of the expulsion of foreign ships that stole Natuna’s sea wealth.
The government’s firm commitment in maintaining sovereignty in Natuna is also supported by a statement from the Ministry of Finance (Ministry of Finance) that claims to be ready to help finance the Ministry of Defense (Ministry of Defense) to buy ocean going vessels. The purchase will be made in order to increase the strength of patrols in Natuna waters, Riau Islands in order to maintain the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia.
) * The author is a social political observer
