By: Dinindya Putri) *
President Jokowi visited Natuna on Wednesday (01/08/2020). The President’s visit to Natuna is proof of the Government’s assertiveness over the sovereignty of the Unitary Republic of Indonesia.
One-sided claims by China of Natuna waters as part of its sovereignty territory are certainly not acceptable, the Indonesian Government also shows its firmness to maintain Natuna as part of the Republic of Indonesia.
Problems in the Natuna waters itself began when fishing vessels from China reportedly entered the Natuna waters and stole fish. The ship was even escorted directly by the Chinese Coast Guard Ship which also included Natuna waters. The violation occurred on 30 December 2019 then.
The situation in Natuna waters in the past few days has been heating up after Natuna waters were entered by Chinese-owned fishing vessels and Coast Guard. In fact, the waters in Natuna were included in Indonesia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) based on the UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on The Law of the Sea) convention in 1982.
For the theft, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia launched a strong protest to China and summoned the Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia. Without any compromise, a Protest Note has been given. Today, January 8, 2020, President Joko Widodo departs for Natuna Regency, Riau Province. Jokowi and his entourage went straight to the Center for Integrated Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (SKPT) of the Strait of Lampa, Natuna Regency, where he will conduct a review of the ship’s ranks and meet with the Fishermen.
Jokowi’s visit to Natuna was carried out amid Chinese claims for waters around the Nansha islands (Spratlay Islands) not far from Natuna. The claim has even been confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Dini Shanti Purwono as the President’s Special Staff for the Legal Sector said that President Jokowi’s attitude was clear, the Indonesian State would continue to defend its rights, in this case related to Natuna.
During his visit, President Jokowi was accompanied by ESDM Minister Arifin Tasrif, Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko, TNI Commander in Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto and Deputy Minister of Agrarian and Spatial Planning. The planned arrival of the president was marked by the departure of Panggdam Bukit Barisan Major General M. Sabrar Fadhilah.
He ensured that Natuna’s situation was very conducive. However, Sabrar did not deny that the troops stationed at Natuna were at war. Korem Commander 033 / Wira Pratama Brigadier General Gabriel Lema stated, during his working visit in Natuna, the President would hold a limited meeting. Specifically related to the conflict in the North Natuna Sea.
On the other hand, the Navy General ensured that he would provide protection to local fishermen, including fishermen from the north coast (pantura) of Java, who were sent by the government to North Natuna. Previously President Jokowi also had said that there was no bargaining from sovereignty over our country’s territories. The statement was submitted several times by the Palace.
Meanwhile, 9 days after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) issued a note of diplomatic protest, there are no signs that China will abide by Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Chinese Fish Ships and Coast Guards also remain in the North Natuna Waters.
In fact, there is information about three other Chinese-owned vessels that will be sent to Indonesia EEZ in the Riau Islands region. The Sea Security Agency (Bakamla) sees this as a potential strengthening from China. Until now, Bakamla also continues to monitor the movement of Chinese ships in North Natuna. Until yesterday, the ships have not yet left and are still at EEZ Indonesia.
Of course Indonesia does not want to be cheated and participated in the show of strength, two Bakamla ships from Batam were sent to help ships that were in the North Natuna waters. Strength was also added to the deployment of four F-16 fighters from the 16th air squadron, Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base, Pekanbaru.
The deployment of the fighter aircraft is a form of follow-up from the command of the TNI Commander Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto. The F-16 aircraft patrolled the Natuna Sea codenamed Operation Lintang Elang 20. Of course the Indonesian government as a whole has shown its commitment in protecting the waters in Natuna, the firmness shown by the Indonesian government is a form of the country’s concern for its sovereignty.