Indonesia is expected to hold a bilateral dialogue and meetings to resolve issues related to foreign vessels, including those of China, which enter the waters of Indonesia, Zhao Qizheng said.
"I am against firing at foreign vessels, which are found entering Indonesia's territory. Do not use force. It is better to have a bilateral meeting and then reach an agreement, based on mutual benefit in the future," he told ANTARA News Agency here.
Regarding the South China Sea issue, there is no claim of China over the waters of the Indonesian jurisdiction, Zhao said, adding that China will continue to hold bilateral meetings with Indonesia in an effort to improve relations between the two countries.
"Through bilateral meetings and dialogue, any problems that may arise will be easier to solve," Zhao said on the sidelines of a dialogue on the South China Sea and Regional Cooperation and Development.
Earlier, in March, an incident had occurred in the Indonesian waters of Natuna involving a Chinese fishing vessel and a coast guard ship.
The incident began when a Hiu 11 vessel of the Marine and Fisheries Ministry was intercepted and detained on the KM Kway Fey 10078, which was a Chinese fishing vessel.
When KM Kway Fey was being escorted to the base by ministerial officers, a Chinese coast guard ship rammed into the Chinese fishing vessel, apparently to prevent it from being taken away by the ministry's personnel.
In a bid to prevent a conflict, the ministerial officers returned to the Hiu 11 vessel, along with the eight detained crew members of the Chinese fishing vessel.
Indonesia, through Foreign Affairs Minister Retno L.P. Marsudi, had lodged a protest with China's Charge d'Affaires in Jakarta, Sun Weide, complaining about the Chinese Coast Guard's violations in its territorial waters.
Reporter: Bambang Purwanto
Editor: Ade P Marboen
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
