SENGKETA PULAU NATUNA

Summary

The presentation discusses the territorial dispute over the Natuna Sea, particularly the competing claims between Indonesia, China, and Vietnam. It highlights China's 1947 'nine-dash line' claim over much of the South China Sea, which conflicts with international maritime law. Indonesia asserts its sovereignty over the Natuna Sea as part of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The presentation also covers Indonesia’s diplomatic efforts, including negotiations with China and Vietnam, as well as the legal, economic, and military strategies it employs to protect its territorial integrity. Additionally, the natural resources and strategic importance of the region are emphasized.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Natuna Sea is part of Indonesia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), with a total area of 2,700 km².
• 😀 The territorial dispute in the Natuna Sea involves China, which claims almost all of the South China Sea based on a 1947 map.
• 😀 Indonesia and Vietnam both claim parts of the Natuna Sea, but these claims conflict with international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982.
• 😀 China and Vietnam have conflicting territorial claims over the Paracel and Spratly islands, but these claims are inconsistent with UNCLOS.
• 😀 In January 2020, around 20 Chinese fishing vessels entered Indonesia's EEZ in the Natuna Sea, leading to an illegal fishing incident.
• 😀 Malaysia also expressed claims over the Natuna Sea, which adds complexity to the situation, further fueling international tensions.
• 😀 Indonesia has been building infrastructure in the Natuna Islands, where the majority of the population is Malay (85%), followed by smaller groups of Javanese (6.34%) and Chinese (2%).
• 😀 Indonesian President Joko Widodo emphasized that the Natuna Islands have long been part of Indonesia's territory, asserting national sovereignty over the region.
• 😀 To resolve the territorial disputes, Indonesia has pursued diplomatic negotiations, particularly with China and other stakeholders, while reinforcing security and military presence in the area.
• 😀 Indonesia uses a combination of international law, diplomatic channels, and bilateral negotiations to safeguard its territorial rights in the Natuna Sea, aiming for peaceful resolution while asserting its sovereignty.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the presentation?

The main topic discussed in the presentation is the dispute over the maritime boundaries in the Natuna Sea, particularly involving Indonesia, China, and Vietnam.

What historical event led to the boundary dispute in the Natuna Sea?

The boundary dispute in the Natuna Sea began when China issued a map in 1947 claiming sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, including the Natuna Sea, which conflicts with international maritime law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

What is Indonesia's stance regarding the Natuna Sea?

Indonesia asserts its sovereignty over the Natuna Sea as part of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), based on international law, specifically UNCLOS. Indonesia claims that the Natuna Sea lies within 200 nautical miles from its baseline, thus falling under Indonesia's EEZ.

How does China view the maritime boundaries in the Natuna Sea?

China claims that the Natuna Sea is part of its territorial waters according to the 'Nine-Dash Line' map, which China introduced in 1947, though this claim contradicts UNCLOS and Indonesia's sovereign rights.

What is Vietnam's position on the Natuna Sea dispute?

Vietnam also claims part of the Natuna Sea as part of its EEZ, based on its interpretation of international law, specifically arguing that the Paracel and Spratly Islands, which are part of the contested area, fall within its territorial waters.

What steps has Indonesia taken to resolve the maritime dispute?

Indonesia has engaged in bilateral negotiations, participated in international forums, strengthened its military presence in the Natuna region, and sought regional support to assert its sovereignty. Additionally, Indonesia has used diplomacy to address the issue.

What was the Declaration of the Convention of the Parties in South China Sea in 2002?

The Declaration of the Convention of the Parties in South China Sea, signed in 2002, was an agreement aimed at easing tensions and promoting peace and stability in the region. It involved countries with claims in the South China Sea, including China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asian nations like Indonesia and Vietnam.

What are the potential resources in the Natuna Sea that make it a valuable area?

The Natuna Sea is rich in natural resources, including fish, gas, minerals, and oil. The potential gas reserves in the area are estimated to be 46 trillion cubic feet, while the oil reserves are approximately 500 million barrels.

How has Indonesia responded to illegal fishing activities in the Natuna Sea?

Indonesia has taken strong action against illegal fishing activities in the Natuna Sea, particularly in January 2020 when Chinese fishing vessels, accompanied by Chinese ships, entered Indonesia's EEZ and engaged in illegal fishing.

What is Indonesia's approach to strengthening its sovereignty in the Natuna Sea?

Indonesia's approach includes increasing its military presence, improving infrastructure in the Natuna Islands, enforcing maritime laws, and seeking support from regional and international organizations to bolster its claims over the Natuna Sea.