Natuna Incident Consistent With Indonesia's Stance, International Law: Foreign Minister

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - Indonesia's Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi stated here on Monday that Indonesian navy's action of detaining a Chinese fishing boat and arresting its crew in the Natuna Islands' waters on June 17 was consistent with the country's law enforcement policy.

"In all three incidents, our action was consistent with our law enforcement policy when it comes to the Indonesian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)," she said after a hearing with House Commission I, dealing with foreign affairs.

The June 17 incident was the third, the earlier such incidents having occurred in March and May this year.

"If it happens again, we will act in the same fashion. Our stance on the EEZ is in line with the international law," she warned.

Minister Retno, speaking before the lawmakers, narrated the chronology of the incident.

She recalled that at 04.24 hours on Friday (June 17), an Indonesian navy ship discovered 10-12 foreign fishing boats in the Natuna Islands waters, which fall under the Indonesian Exclusive Economic Zone and some of the fishing boats were seen spreading their nets and were thus believed to have indulged in illegal fishing.

Upon seeing the navy ship, they tried to escape, forcing the navy personnel to chase them while ordering them through radio communication and a speaker.  
The commands were, however, ignored, forcing the naval force to fire warning shots towards the sea and water. Even these warning shots were ignored and they kept trying to flee.

Finally, the navy succeeded in detaining one of the boats and found seven crew members on board, of which one was a woman.

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi informed that all seven were in good shape and had not suffered any injury. They were taken to Sabang Mawang, Natuna, for further investigation. It was found that the crew and the boat were from China.

Following the incident, a spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry issued a verbal protest, carried in Chinese as well as international media.

Indonesian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Arrmanatha Nasir, clarified that no official note from the Chinese government had been received by Indonesia so far. (WDY)