The Natuna Waters Conflict between Indonesia and Vietnam: How is it resolved in International Law?

Abstract

Indonesia is one of the largest archipelagic countries in the world consisting of thousands of islands. Part of Indonesia, namely the Natuna Islands, its position protrudes to the north which is located in the southern South China Sea. The Natuna Sea has natural resources, such as minerals and fish, and is an international sea crossing for ships coming from the Indian Ocean to enter the industrial countries around the sea and also to the Pacific Ocean. The problem of conflicts that occur between Indonesia and Vietnam in Natuna waters is one of the cases that are within the scope of International Law, especially specifically on International Sea Law. The Republic of Indonesia is one of the countries affected by the southern China sea conflict. Because the Indonesian EEZ region in the Natuna waters region is included in the Vietnam unilateral claim map. Therefore, Indonesia seeks to resolve, prevent and make resolutions regarding the South China Sea conflict which seriously threatens national interests and State sovereignty. One of the strategies implemented by Indonesia is the policy to enforce Vietnamese-flagged vessels carrying out illegal fishing in Natuna waters and also directing the combat fleet in the form of warships to intensify patrol in the region. In this regard, Indonesia conducted various negotiations and diplomacy to ensure that it resolved issues concerning the waters of southern China.