Who owns Natuna Island?
Who owns Natuna Island?
China and Indonesia have a recent history of friction around the Natunas, where Indonesia’s 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone, a concept set out in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), overlaps with the southernmost reaches of China’s expansive “nine-dash line” maritime claim.
Who has the biggest claim in the South China Sea?
- China, Vietnam and the Philippines occupy the most features in the contested waters, and many of their claims overlap.
- All three countries are expanding their presence and building military facilities.
Where are the Natuna islands?
Riau Islands
Natuna Regency/Province
How do I get to Natuna Island?
Natuna Island can be reached by a 2-hour flight departing Batam, Indonesia. Flights are once daily and cost roughly USD 150 each way. Planes fill up to capacity quickly with the locals traveling to and from the island so consider booking in advance.
Is Indonesia allies with China?
China and Indonesia established diplomatic relations in 1950. Despite this, various forms of relations have been ongoing for centuries. China is the most populous nation in the world, while Indonesia has the 4th largest population. Both nations are members of the APEC and the G20.
How do I get from Malaysia to Natuna Island?
There is 1 way to get from Malaysia to Ranai, Natuna Island by ferry or plane
- Take the ferry from Berjaya Waterfront Ferry Terminal Johor Bahru to Batam Centre.
- Fly from Hang Nadim (BTH) to Natuna (NTX)
How do I get from Singapore to Natuna Island?
There is no direct connection from Singapore to Ranai, Natuna Island. However, you can take the ferry to Batam Centre, take the taxi to Hang Nadim airport, fly to Natuna, then take the taxi to Ranai, Natuna Island.
Why is Indonesia important to the US?
The U.S. has welcomed Indonesia’s contributions to regional security, especially its leading role in helping restore democracy in Cambodia and in mediating territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
What is happening on Natuna Island in Indonesia?
Acutely conscious of that pattern, Jakarta promptly summoned China’s ambassador and issued a formal diplomatic protest. In the meantime, the Indonesian military deployed ten naval ships to the area and four F-16 fighters to Natuna Island. Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo even flew to the island to survey the situation.
Is China’s claim to the Natuna Islands a threat to Indonesia?
Then, in 2014, Indonesia’s top military officer accused China of including the waters near the Natuna Islands in its self-proclaimed line and cautioned that China’s military power could destabilize Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, the head of Indonesia’s maritime security agency called Chinese claims in the area a “ real threat ” to his country.
How much EEZ do the Natuna Islands have?
From the Indonesian point of view, since China and Indonesia are both signatories of the 1982 UN Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), they hence recognize the EEZ formula, which in effect entitles the Natuna Islands to 200 nautical miles of EEZ.
Does Indonesia need to step up maritime patrols near Natuna Islands?
After its vigorous response in 2016, Indonesia probably hoped that China would have backed off. But the most recent incident demonstrated that China remains undeterred. Thus, at a minimum, Indonesia would be wise to step up its maritime patrols of the disputed waters near the Natuna Islands.
