By: Alfisyah Kumalasari) *
Government efforts in dealing with Chinese ships in Natuna are increasing. The government was firm in maintaining sovereignty in Natuna by sending a Protest Note to the Chinese Government to increase military power in Natuna. The Indonesian government firmly rejects the existence of Chinese Ships in Natuna waters. This happened due to incidents of violations of the EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) committed by China in Natuna waters, Riau Islands. Including rejecting China’s claims to the Natuna region. China, which is considered quite determined to enter Indonesian territory and conduct illegal fishing, must be strictly dealt with. This violation is also categorized as illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and sovereignty activities by the coast guard or coast guard of China in Natuna waters.
The bamboo curtain country insisted on the Natuna region on the grounds that Chinese fishermen had long held activities there because it was unilateral and had no legal basis and was never recognized by UNCLOS 1982. However, these arguments, according to the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, had been discussed and countered by the SCS Tribunal decision. in 2016. Indonesia also rejected the term “relevant waters” claimed by China because this term is unknown and does not comply with UNCLOS 1982. The United Nations Convention for the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is the institution that sets boundaries related ZEE.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also stressed that Indonesia did not have overlapping jurisdiction with China. Indonesia will never recognize the nine dash line because the draw has contradicted the 2016 UNCLOS decision. For information, Nine Chinese dash line is a line drawn on the map of the Chinese government. Where the country claims the South China Sea region, from the Paracel Islands (which are occupied by China but claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan) to the Spratly Islands which are concerned with Brunei, the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan and also Vietnam.
This polemic seems to be an interesting topic. Because, China is one of Indonesia’s strategic partners in the region. So it becomes an obligation for both parties to continue to enhance mutual respect and build mutually beneficial cooperation. Nevertheless Jokowi’s firm stance that states no compromise deserves support. Bearing in mind, this has related to the sovereignty of a country.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi conveyed 4 official attitudes regarding the response to China’s actions in violating Natuna waters, Riau Archipelago. The first point is that there have been violations by Chinese ships in the EEZ region in Indonesia.
Secondly, the Indonesian EEZ territory has been legally established by international law, namely through UNCLOS 1982. Third, China is one of the territorial parts (members) of UNCLOS 1982. Therefore it is an obligation for China to respect, implementation of UNCLOS 1982 Fourth, Indonesia expressly will never acknowledge Nine-Dash Line. Namely, unilateral claims made by China that have no legal reasons and are recognized by international law, especially UNCLOS 1982.
China’s violations are further strengthened by the decision of the International Arbitration Court or Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA). In its decision, the PCA said it did not recognize the basis of China’s claims for the nine dotted lines or the concept of traditional fishing grounds. According to the PCA, the basis of the claims made by the Chinese Government are unknown in UNCLOS, of which Indonesia and China are members.
Previously, the basic claim of the Chinese territory over almost all the waters of the South China Sea had actually been broken by the decision of the United Nations (UN) in 2016 ago. Which began with filing a Philippine lawsuit against the PCA. PCA has issued a decision related to the dispute over the South China Sea, although the Beijing region firmly rejects the ruling.
Broadly speaking, the Court’s decision granted almost all Philippine lawsuits, as well as nullifying the claims and actions of the PRC in the South China Sea. China also reiterated that it is not bound by the PCA’s decision. Although the lawsuit to the PCA was filed by the Philippines, the decision has implications for all ASEAN countries which have been in dispute with China in the South China Sea, including Indonesia.
Various efforts to deal with China are increasingly being increased, including specifically assigning the Indonesian Army to one Raider battalion in Natuna. In the meantime, each will be deployed by a company of elite AU troops of the Special Forces Corps (Korpaskhas) along with elite troops of the Navy. Ryamizard Ryacudu added that there will be three Sea Reader ships ready to catch up at sea.
This right step needs to get support from all Indonesian citizens. Bearing in mind that this is related to the issue of sovereignty. Moreover, Indonesia’s legal basis is strong and legally recognized in the international world. Say no to thieves! Forward Indonesia, keep Natuna!
) * The author is a social political observer