24-10-2024 (JAKARTA) Indonesia’s Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) has successfully expelled a Chinese coastguard vessel that had interfered with oil and gas exploration activities in the North Natuna Sea, marking the first maritime confrontation under newly-inaugurated President Prabowo Subianto’s administration.
The Chinese Coast Guard vessel 5402 (CCG 5402) was discovered disrupting seismic survey operations conducted by Indonesia’s state-owned oil company PT Pertamina East Natuna, which was utilising the MV Geo Coral vessel for data collection.
Maritime surveillance firm SeaLight reports that the incident began on 19 October when CCG 5402 relieved another Chinese vessel, CCG 5302, which had initially entered the area two days prior. The intrusion prompted an immediate response from Indonesian authorities, with Bakamla deploying its patrol vessel Tanjung Datu 301 from Batu Ambar port.
During the confrontation, radio communications revealed the Chinese vessel asserting its “jurisdiction and sovereign rights” over the area. Indonesian forces, including naval vessels and aircraft, subsequently mounted a coordinated response to shepherd the intruding vessel from Indonesian waters.
Bakamla RI dan TNI-AL melaksanakan shadowing dan mengusir kapal Zhaolai-class Coast Guard China, CCG 5402, dari wil Indonesia di Laut Natuna Utara, Senin (21/10).
CCG 5402 masuk wil Indonesia, mengganggu MV Geo Coral saat melakukan survei seismik utk PT Pertamina East Natuna. pic.twitter.com/U0833yzAL1
— Lightning II-chan (@lightning2chan) October 22, 2024
Despite initial success in expelling the vessel, it returned the following day, leading to further interception efforts by Indonesian maritime forces. Bakamla spokesman Captain Yuhanes Antara emphasised that the expulsion demonstrated Indonesia’s unwavering commitment to maintaining maritime security.
Maritime experts suggest the timing of the incursion, coinciding with President Subianto’s inauguration, may represent Beijing’s strategy to test the resolve of Indonesia’s new leadership. Former Indonesian diplomat Ple Priatna notes that the incident likely serves as China’s assertion of its controversial nine-dash line claims, regardless of Indonesia’s leadership changes.
Whilst Indonesia is not directly involved in South China Sea territorial disputes, the North Natuna Sea, which falls within Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone, overlaps with China’s sweeping maritime claims.
The incident occurs as Indonesia’s new defence minister, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, engages in diplomatic talks with Chinese ambassador Wang Lutong, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and regional stability.
