Indonesia Considering Name for Waters North of Natuna

Batam, Riau Islands (Antara Bali) - Indonesia is considering a name for the waters in the northern part of Natuna district in South China Sea.

"We are still processing it," the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Pandjaitan said at the inauguration of the Soedarsono Darmosoewito Hospital in the Kabil integrated industrial zone in Batam city, Sumatras Riau Islands province here on Saturday.

He added, "Laut Natuna Utara" (North Natuna Sea) has been proposed for the name of the area, which is an Indonesian exclusive economic zone that must immediately be secured.

"The Indonesian part of Natuna waters is called Natuna Sea and so we will propose naming the exclusive economic zone in the northern part of it Laut Natuna Utara," he said.

Luhut, who is now also acting Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources explained that since the beginning, the name of the Indonesian territory in the district of Natuna was Laut Natuna.

"So, we did not replace the name South China Sea. I must make it clear," he said.

He added that no party would be hurt with regards to the plan because the area is part of Indonesia.

On June 23, President Joko Widodo visited Natuna, which borders several countries, along with the National Police Chief, the Commander of the defense forces and cabinet ministers concerned and had held a meeting aboard a war ship.

The visit was also made, among others, in connection with Chinas claim over a part of Natuna, according to Pramono Anung, the cabinet secretary.(WDY)