TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said that he will summon the Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia to demand an explanation related to the fish theft incident involving a Chinese ship in Natuna island on Saturday, March 19, 2016.
"I can meet [the Ambassador] tonight or tomorrow. Although this supposed to be the Foreign Minister’s duties, but it is okay of I am the one doing the summoning," Ryamizard said on Monday, March 21, 2016.
Minister Ryamizard said that he planned to ask about the reason why the Chinese ship, registered under the name Kway Fey 10078, entered Indonesian waters. The Kway Fey 10078 was captured by the Indonesian navy warship, and was later escorted into a naval base. However, a Chinese coast guard ship suddenly appeared and crashed into the Kway Fey 10078.
Ryamizard said that he will not speculate on the motive behind the appearance of the Chinese coastguard ship. Ryamizard also said that he would not relate the incident to the North China Sea dispute.
"Maybe the Chinese coastguard ship intervention is just a disciplinary violation," Ryamizard said.
INDRA WIJAYA
