Natuna is Part of Indonesia: President Jokowi

President Jokowi listens to explanation on Natuna Water map at Lampa Strait Integrated Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Center Natuna Regency, Wednesday (8/1). (Photo: BPMI Setpres)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has asserted that Natuna Islands is part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.

The Islands including its water area are part of Natuna Regency, the northernmost part of Riau Island.

“Natuna is home to 81,000 residents. The region is also where the Regent and Governor of Riau Islands reside. So do not doubt us. Natuna is certainly part of us,” President Jokowi firmly said when meeting hundreds of fishermen at Integrated Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Center (SKPT) of the Lampa Strait Fishery Port, Natuna Regency, Wednesday (1/8).

Therefore, President Jokowi asserted there is no bargaining for Indonesia’s sovereignty over its territory, including the Natuna Islands region.

Regarding the incidents of foreign vessels entering the Indonesia’s territory illegally in Natuna Sea, the President stressed that it was only rumor.

“I have asked the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) Commander earlier and he said no (foreign vessels),” said the President. (BPMI Setpres/ES)

Translated by: Estu Widyamurti

Reviewed by: Yuyu Mulyani