Indonesia’s coastguard recently escorted a Chinese vessel out of the North Natuna Sea after it disrupted oil and gas exploration activities. The incident, viewed as a test of Jakarta’s resolve by Beijing, involved the China Coast Guard 5402 ship interfering with a seismic survey being conducted by the state-owned PT Pertamina East Natuna.
SeaLight, a research firm monitoring such incidents, reported that the Chinese vessel arrived on October 19 to replace another Chinese ship that had been causing disruptions. The harassment of Indonesia’s survey activity began on October 17, prompting the deployment of Bakamla’s patrol vessel.
In a video released by Bakamla, an Indonesian crew member can be seen trying to communicate with the Chinese vessel, which claimed the area as part of China’s sovereign rights. This tense situation highlights the ongoing tensions over territorial waters in the South China Sea.