Indonesia and Vietnam have completed their long-negotiated and pending ratification of their maritime boundaries. While this will probably improve maritime security and help prevent illegal fishing, the agreement will likely cause rifts with China because of the latter’s territorial claims in the South China Sea.
President Prabowo Subianto said he was mulling ratifying the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) treaty with Vietnam next month. The agreement will settle disputes over the North Natuna Sea and is aimed to conclude the process at the soonest time possible for both countries.
Besides maritime boundaries, Indonesia and Vietnam jointly strengthened their relations by entering a comprehensive strategic partnership that intensified their defense cooperation and joint patrols.
Rejecting China Claims
The deal justifies Indonesia’s rejection of the nine-dash line of China. The EEZ ratification comes in the wake of Prabowo’s past joint statement with Chinese President Xi Jinping, which recognized “overlapping claims,” incurring public criticisms, but hails Jakarta’s commitment to its territorial rights.
Concerning delimitation agreement 2023, China previously drafted a very heavy coast guard vessel to the North Natuna Sea. The experts believe that such an activity results in protests from Beijing.
The Illegal Fishing Instrument
Vietnamese fishing boats have long illegally entered Indonesian waters and use very destructive trawlers. This EEZ deal, therefore, legalizes Indonesia’s efforts to adopt and enforce maritime laws.
Meanwhile, local fishermen continue to complain about Vietnamese boats entering Indonesian waters and the resulting financial losses. Although enforcement remains a challenge, this will go a long way toward securing Indonesia’s territorial integrity and marine resources.
