Indonesia Sends Protest to China Over Natuna Islands Standoff

Indonesia sent a note of protest to China on Monday (21/03) over what the country described as an encroachment of its territory by Chinese coastguard officials after it interrupted an Indonesian patrol ship in the middle of trying to catch an illegal fishing vessel.

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi met with Chinese embassy official Sun Weide in Jakarta to discuss the matter, during which the protest was aired.

"At the meeting we conveyed our strong protest [over] the breach by the Chinese coastguard of Indonesia's sovereign rights," Retno told a news conference.

On Saturday, Indonesian officials intercepted a 300 gross ton Chinese vessel, Kway Fey 10078, believed to be fishing illegally in Indonesian waters off Riau's Natuna Islands.

Eight Chinese crew members were detained but the Chinese coastguard prevented Indonesia from securing the fishing vessel by ramming the vessel back to the South China Sea.

China has said the fishing vessel was operating in "traditional Chinese fishing grounds" and has demanded the fishermen be released.

"When it comes to fishery disputes, or maritime issues, China is always ready to work with Indonesia to solve these disputes trough negotiations and dialog," Weide told reporters in Jakarta after a separate meeting with Indonesian fisheries minister Susi Pudjiastuti.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, a strategic shipping corridor, also rich in fish and natural gas, where several Southeast Asian countries also have overlapping claims.

But China and Indonesia do not contest the sovereignty of the Natuna islands and the seas around them: both agree they are part of Indonesia's Riau Province.

Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said his office is also seeking clarification from Chinese embassy officials.

“Soldiers often have disciplinary problems, probably that is the case [with Chinese coastguard officials],” the minister said. “Which is what we will try to clarify from Chinese [embassy] officials.”