Indonesia to respond appropriately to South China Sea incidents, official says

31/10/2024 17:27

        Indonesia's position on the South China Sea remains unchanged and it will respond appropriately to safeguard its territory, an official said on Thursday, after a Chinese coast guard vessel interrupted a survey by Jakarta's state energy firm.
        
        Indonesia said last week it had driven the Chinese coast guard ship away three times in just a few days after its presence in waters more than 1,500 km (932 miles) from the Chinese mainland disrupted a survey by a vessel contracted by Pertamina.
        
        China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, which it asserts through an armada of coast guard ships, some of which are accused by its neighbours of aggressive conduct and of trying to disrupt energy and fisheries activities.
        
        "On the South China Sea, nothing changes from the Indonesian government. We will do what's appropriate," foreign ministry spokesperson Roy Soemirat told a press conference, when asked if the repelling of the Chinese ship was a sign new President Prabowo Subianto would be more assertive in defending Indonesia's sovereignty.
        
        He said, "We are seeking confirmation and exchanging information. Dynamics on the ground will involve so many parties."
        
        While Chinese coast guard vessels have been spotted numerous times lingering in Indonesia's exclusive economic zone (EEZ), the most recent incident came just days after Prabowo took office.