Inp.polri.go.id - Natuna.  The Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) once again expelled a Chinese Coast Guard vessel, CCG-5402, from Indonesian waters in the North Natuna Sea on Friday.

Captain Yuhanes Antara, a Bakamla spokesperson, confirmed on Saturday (26/10/2024) that the Chinese vessel’s incursion was not an isolated event, as CCG-5402 had entered the region several times in October 2024, disrupting ongoing seismic survey operations by PT Pertamina East Natuna using MV Geo Coral.

Bakamla’s patrol ship, KN Pulau Dana-323, intercepted and shadowed CCG-5402, initiating radio communication, according to antaranews.com.

The Chinese vessel claimed it was patrolling Chinese jurisdiction, requesting KN Pulau Dana-323 to maintain distance. However, KN Pulau Dana-323, aided by the Indonesian Navy vessels KRI Sutedi Senaputra-378 and KRI Bontang-907, continued the expulsion.

According to UNCLOS 1982, Indonesia holds sovereign rights over the North Natuna Sea’s continental shelf, with international recognition of its rights to resource exploration and exploitation in the area.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)