By: Dhimas Sanjaya)
The Indonesian government firmly rejects the presence of Chinese Ships in Natuna waters. This assertiveness can be seen from the addition of Indonesian military power in Natuna. In addition, the Government of Indonesia through the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also sent a Memorandum of Protest to the Chinese Government and summoned the Chinese Ambassador in Jakarta to express his objection.
The assertiveness of the Indonesian Government is evident from the firmness of the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menkopolhukam), Mohammad Mahfud MD, where he gave instructions to the TNI to expel foreign ships entering the Natuna Sea.
Regarding the issue of the entry of foreign ships, Mahfud also will not negotiate with the Chinese government. The effort was made because Natuna waters are a legitimate part of the sovereign territory of the Republic of Indonesia.
According to the former Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court, efforts in maintaining a state sovereignty are part of the constitutional mandate. Therefore, guarding the Natuna region which is currently being heavily intruded by foreign fishing vessels is the responsibility of the state apparatus and all the people of Indonesia.
One of the reasons why the Indonesian government did not pursue diplomacy was because later it could be considered that Natuna was a disputed area.
Mahfud also stated that the government would not be half-hearted in maintaining the country’s sovereignty. The United Nations Apalgi (UN) has issued international rules regarding the absence of Chinese rights to Natuna waters.
Though it is clear that Natuna waters are a legal territory of Indonesia. This is based on an international convention on the sea and waters, namely UNCLOS in 1982. Where in that year legally International, Natuna Sea waters are Indonesia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
China, which is part of the nations of the world who live in international relations, is certainly obliged to submit to international law.
Unilateral claims by China of Natuna waters as part of its sovereignty based on self-made nine dash-line rules cannot bind other countries including Indonesia.
Mahfud MD also revealed that previously, China had had conflicts with countries in Southeast Asia such as Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei Darusalam, Vietnam, and Taiwan in the South China Sea that had been recognized by the Southern Chinese Sea (SCS) Tribunal in 2016.
Natuna Regent, Abdul Hamid Rizal, said the entry of Chinese fishing vessels in the Natuna Sea was a form of sovereignty disruption of the Republic of Indonesia.
Natuna Regency Government and its citizens are also ready to maintain sovereignty in their territory.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Naval Army (Bakamla) Vice Admiral Achmad Taufiqoerrochman will increase the number of security personnel to guard Natuna waters from foreign vessels. In order to strengthen defense, cooperation with the Indonesian Navy will also be sought. He also said that his party had expelled several foreign vessels in December 2019.
On different occasions, President Joko Widodo has given instructions in dealing with conflicts that occur in Natuna waters. Jokowi gave direction that the Government of Indonesia remained firm and prioritized peaceful diplomatic efforts in dealing with conflicts in Natuna waters.
Public support for Natuna’s sovereignty also came from the Natuna Youth who are members of the Indonesian Youth National Committee (KNPI) together with the MPC Pemuda Pancasila, Muslim Youth, Komuna, HMI and Students, who condemned China for their claims to the Natuna Sea.
The criticism was demonstrated in their action at Piwang Beach, Ranai, Natuna, on Saturday afternoon on January 4, 2020. They did this as a form of support for the Indonesian government’s move regarding China’s claims to the North Natuna Sea.
Chair of the MPC Pemuda Pancasila (PP) Natuna, Fadillah, said that the Natuna youth will always be ready to support efforts in maintaining the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia in Natuna.
They also firmly reject and strongly condemn China’s claims to the North Natuna Sea, and firmly reject the illegal fishing activities operating in the North Natuna Sea.
We do not need to doubt the gait of the government in driving out vessels that steal fish in the Natuna islands. Where the synergy between the central government, the TNI to the Natuna Regency Government has shown concern for the territorial area in Natuna waters.
The firmness of all elements in Indonesia certainly becomes evidence that in maintaining sovereignty is a reflection of all the people of Indonesia, who will not back down in the slightest in protecting the homeland.
) * The author is a social political observer