TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A member of Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR) from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle Charles Honoris, demanded the government to re-evaluate the bilateral relationship between Indonesia and China. The demand was stated by Charles in relation to the Chinese government claim over Natuna waters.

"The government must re-evaluate the bilateral relationship between Indonesia and China. Various bilateral cooperation being discuss can be delayed or cancelled," Charles said in a written statement on Saturday, January 4, 2020.

Charles said that Indonesia can also gather the support of ASEAN countries to not take part in multilateral activities initiated by China in international forums.

Charles also urged the government to take a firm stance over China. Charles supported the plan to increase the number patrols and presence over Natuna waters.

Charles also urged the armed forces and other law enforcement elements to show no hesitation to defend Indonesia's sovereignty. "The Indonesian people will support every effort of the Indonesian armed forces to defend every inch of Indonesian territory from foreign party intrusion," Charles said.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry previously claimed ownership of the Natuna waters. Referring to the Chinese nine-dash line established by the government, the Nansha Island and the waters around it, including Natuna, is said to be Chinese traditional fishing territory.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian government referred to the regulation on Exclusive Economic Zone acknowledged by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in 1982, in which China was also a signatory party.

BUDIARTI UTAMI PUTRI