China's Ships Cleared Out after Jokowi's Visit: Moeldoko

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko said China’s illegal fishing boats have left the Indonesian exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in North Natuna Sea, Riau Islands after President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s visit on Wednesday, January 8.

Moeldoko made the statement based on information from the Indonesian Military or TNI commander Marshall Hadi Tjahjanto and the Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) Chief Vice-admiral Achmad Taufiqoerrochman. China’s vessels reportedly headed to the north.

“After the President inspected the area, Bakamla and TNI Commander report that those boats have sailed to the north, leaving the waters. So the public must understand that Bakamla and the Navy have carried out efforts,” he said at Aryaduta Hotel, Central Jakarta, Thursday, January 9.

The former TNI chief explained the Navy has the role of strengthening Bakamla to protect the North Natuna Sea so that the country’s territorial security could run well. “This problem has been dealt with,” he remarked.

Albeit the safe status, he asserted that the Indonesian EEZ must not be left unguarded so the government planned to send fishers from Java north coast to the Natuna sea.

“So no one can intrude into our EZZ, our sovereign rights,” Moeldoko underlined, adding that any flag vessels are allowed to pass the EEZ yet restricted from exploring the natural resources.

EKO WAHYUDI