Indonesia has denied claims made by China that a fisherman was injured amid the latest sea row over Natuna Waters, insisting that the actions of the Indonesian Navy were in accordance with standard law enforcement procedures.

"The actions taken by the Navy were entirely in accordance with the implementation of law enforcement regulations established to exercise sovereign rights in the Indonesian exclusive economic zone [ZEE]," Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi said during a working meeting with the House of Representative's Commission I, overseeing defense and foreign affairs on Monday.

The Navy spotted 10 to12 foreign fishing boats in Indonesia's ZEE. They were seen throwing nets and, as such, were suspected of illegally fishing in Indonesian waters, Retno said.

The Chinese fishing boats quickly dispersed at the sight of the Navy's approach, she continued, adding that four warships had proceeded to pursue the suspect boats. The Navy had instructed the crews of each of the boats to stop, making use of both radio communication and speakers to do so. The requests were ignored, they attempted to flee by picking up speed, Retno added. "After several hours of pursuit, warning shots were fired into the air and sea, all in accordance with procedure".

Boat "19038" was intercepted and detained, Retno said. The crew on board, which consisted of seven people, six male and one female, are all in good condition, the minister said. Upon capture, the crew destroyed the communication tools on board. This action was allegedly carried out by the crewman on purpose.

The boat was en route to Sabang Mawang, where it was intercepted. A Chinese coastguard vessel requested the Navy release the suspected fishing boat. The demand was denied by the Navy on grounds of "investigation and law enforcement", according to a statement released by the Foreign Ministry.

Source:
courtesy of THE JAKARTA POST

by Liza Yosephine

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