Indonesia wants its sovereignty in South China Sea

Indonesia's President Joko Widodo (centre) along with Military Chief Gatot Nurmantyo (left) and Air Force Commander Agus Supriatna walking past fighter jets and weapons during a recent military exercise on Natuna Island, Riau Islands province, Indonesia. - Reuters

JAKARTA: Indonesia will not compromise on its sovereignty in the South China Sea amid the recent sighting of foreign fishing vessels near the Natuna Islands, which lie between Malaysia and Borneo, President Joko Widodo said.

Speaking at a plenary cabinet session in Jakarta Monday, Jokowi, as Widodo is known, said the increased presence of Chinese ships in the disputed waters since December was a violation of international law. He said in a statement posted on the cabinet secretariat website there would be "no negotiation when it comes to our sovereignty.”