Indonesia to Respond to China`s Protest over Natuna Stand-off

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Vice President Jusuf Kalla said that the government will respond to China’s protest over the shooting of their fishermen. “It certainly must be responded, to summon [Chinese diplomat to be given an explanation],” Kalla said on Tuesday at the Vice President Palace Jakarta.

Kalla said that the measures taken by the Indonesian Navy against Chinese fishermen were to fire warning shots because they had entered Indonesian waters. “We are protecting [our] waters, we have to protect it well,” he said.

The shooting of Chinese fishing boat took place on Friday in the Natuna waters. Han Tan Cou 19038 fishing boat was shot by the Indonesian Armed Force (TNI) over illegal fishing.

Chinese foreign ministry said that the shooting has left one crew member injured. It was the third stand-off between Chinese fishing boats with Indonesian authorities in the Natuna waters.

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said that the measures taken by the Navy were normal. Because Han Tan Cou boat was caught fishing illegally in the Natuna waters, Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ). “That’s why we pursue [the boat]. It’s our economic territory. Thus, a request for permits is needed for anyone who enters the territory for economic reasons,” Luhut said.

However, Luhut expressed that the government will seek solutions through diplomacy. “The most important thing is that we can maintain good relations with China, but we will also not surrender our sovereignty."

AMIRULLAH | YOHANES PASKALIS