An official stated that Indonesia's position in the South China Sea is unchanged, and it will take appropriate measures to protect its territory. This was after a Chinese coastguard vessel disrupted a survey conducted by Jakarta's government energy company.

Last week, Indonesia claimed that it had pushed the Chinese coastguard ship three times away in only a few short days after its presence disrupted an underwater survey conducted by a vessel hired by Pertamina.

China asserts sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea. It does this through an armada coast guard ships. Some of these are accused of aggressive behavior and trying to disrupt activities in energy and fishing.

The Indonesian government has not changed its position on the South China Sea. "We will do what is appropriate," said Roy Soemirat, a spokesperson for the foreign ministry at a press briefing when asked whether the repelling the Chinese ship would indicate that the new president Prabowo Subito was more assertive about defending Indonesian sovereignty.

"We seek confirmation and exchange information." "The dynamics on the ground will be a complex process involving many parties," said he.

The most recent incident occurred just days after Prabowo assumed office.

Last week, China's Foreign Ministry said that its coast guard conducts routine passages "in waters within China's jurisdiction", and it is willing to work with Indonesia in order to handle incidents properly.

China says that its coast guard is professionally and legally operating to prevent infringements of its waters.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that China's claim of sovereignty was not based on international law. Beijing rejects this ruling.

Beijing has often fought with the Philippines and Vietnam in the South China Sea, but has rarely had a standoff with Indonesia.

In 2021, Indonesian and Chinese vessels shadowed one another for several months near an oil submersible rig which had been performing well assessments in the Natuna Sea. China urged Indonesia at the time to stop drilling on its territory.

(source: Reuters)