Indonesia Invites Parties To Avoid Conflict In South China Sea

Hainan, China (Antara Bali) - Vice President Jusuf Kalla has invited all parties to maintain peace and security in the South China Sea area to avoid direct conflict that can cause losses.

Indonesia is a non-claimant state in the South China Sea dispute, Kalla stated during a speech at the Boao Forum for Asia in Hainan, China, on Thursday.

However, Indonesia realizes that the dispute has the potential to turn into a direct conflict that can be detrimental to the region, noted Kalla.

The conflict can negatively impact the economic conditions in all countries involved in the South China Sea dispute, Kalla affirmed.

The Indonesian government believes that all countries must prioritize mutual respect and refrain in order to maintain peace and security in the South China Sea area, Kalla pointed out.

"I want to emphasize our commitment to reaching a peaceful resolution through diplomatic and political processes. I also call upon all countries to respect the principles of international law as set out in the UNCLOS," Kalla stated.

Earlier, an incident had occurred in the Indonesian waters off Natuna involving a Chinese fishing vessel and a coast guard ship.

The incident began when the Hiu 11 vessel of the Marine and Fisheries Ministry (KKP) intercepted and detained the KM Kway Fey 10078, a Chinese fishing vessel on Saturday afternoon.

When KM Kway Fey was being escorted to base by the KKP officers, a Chinese coast guard ship rammed into the Chinese fishing vessel, apparently to prevent it from being taken away by the ministry's personnel.

In a bid to prevent conflict, the KKP officers returned to the Hiu 11 vessel along with the eight detained crew members of the Chinese fishing vessel.

Indonesia, through Foreign Affairs Minister Retno L.P. Marsudi, has lodged a protest with China's Charge d'Affaires in Jakarta Sun Weide over Chinese coast guard violations in its waters.

As part of the protest, the Indonesian government has firstly objected to the violations committed by the Chinese coast guard against the country's sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the continental shelf.

Secondly, the Indonesian government has raised a protest on the violation by the Chinese coast guard against its law enforcement agencies on the EEZ and continental shelf.

Third, the Indonesian government has protested to the violation committed by the Chinese coast guard on its marine territorial sovereignty. (WDY)