Govt' Hold Meeting to Discuss China's Claim over Natuna Waters
Translator
Editor
3 January 2020 16:53 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Several ministers hold a closed meeting following China's recent maneuver in Indonesia's exclusive economic zone of Natuna waters a few days ago. The meeting was held at the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Office and presided by the minister Mahfud MD.
The meeting reportedly started at 1:30 p.m. Based on Tempo's observation, several ministers had arrived at the location before the discussion commenced.
Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi arrived first, followed by the Maritime Security Board (Bakamla) Head Vice Admiral A. Taufiq R. and the police's Security Maintenance Agency (Baharkam) Chief Comr. Gen. Agus Andrianto.
Ten minutes later, Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi, Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, Legal and Human Rights Minister Yasonna Laoly arrived consecutively at Mahfud’s office. The three only shared smiles with journalists and directly entered the ministry's office.
Issues on the northern waters of Natuna became the government’s concern after it discovered violations against Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone on December 24. Bakamla noted that the event occurred when China’s coastguard vessel trespassed Indonesian waters on December 10, 2019.
FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA