Indonesian Fishermen Face Ongoing Challenges Amidst Chinese Encroachment in Natuna Sea
Indonesian fishermen struggle with dwindling catches and encounters with Chinese vessels asserting territorial claims in the Natuna Sea.
NATUNA SEA, INDONESIA — Indonesian fishermen in the North Natuna Sea are grappling with declining catches and confrontations with foreign vessels, particularly from China, as they assert territorial claims in the resource-rich area.
Dedi, a 39-year-old fisherman, shared his experience of encountering intruding competition from Vietnam, China, and the Philippines, leading to a significant decrease in his catch and earnings.
More recently, he and other fishermen have encountered Chinese coast guard boats and warships.
"When I first saw a coast guard boat, I was scared," Dedi said. "It approached me, and someone on the boat opened a map showing dashed lines, the nine-dash line. He said something, but I couldn't understand him. I opened my map and showed him this is Indonesia's territory."
China has been using the nine-dash line to assert sovereignty over vast stretches of the South China Sea, including the Natuna fishing grounds.
Chinese coast guard vessels have been deployed to the area multiple times in the first half of 2023.
Mukhlis, the head of Natuna's coast guard station, emphasized the need for Indonesia to maintain a presence in the area despite China's persistent claims.
A major standoff in 2020 between the two countries drew a significant military presence and a visit from Indonesian President Joko Widodo.
However, since then, Indonesia's response to Chinese encroachment has been relatively muted, with analysts suggesting a delicate balancing act between domestic concerns, geopolitical ambitions, and a non-aligned foreign policy stance.
Yohanes Sulaiman, an international relations expert, stated that Indonesia's "silent" approach is intentional to avoid escalating tensions in the Natuna Sea, as the country desires Chinese investments.
The ongoing challenges faced by Indonesian fishermen underscore the complex dynamics in the region, where livelihoods are threatened by competing territorial claims and geopolitical rivalries.