"This is since the matter is yet under negotiation. This especially holds relevance with regard to the incident that took place in the Natuna waters. Discussions are yet being held over the continental boundary," Kalla noted in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Previously, an online viral video showed the Indonesian Navy battleship KRI Tjiptadi-381 patrolling Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the North Natuna Sea colliding with a Vietnamese ship that was allegedly escorting an illegal fishing boat on Saturday, Apr 27.
Indonesian Navy Fleet Command I Commander Adm. Yudo Margono gave confirmation of this incident that was quoted by the Navy’s spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Agung Nugroho in Jakarta.
The incident took place at a time when the Indonesian Navy ship was conducting a patrol in the Indonesian EEZ.
Kalla pointed to no border agreement yet being reached between Indonesia and Vietnam.
Hence, Indonesia and Vietnam have taken steps in defending their respective positions.
The vice president pointed out that Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi had delivered a protest note to the Embassy of Vietnam in Jakarta.
"The Foreign Affairs Ministry has called a representative of the Vietnam Embassy in Jakarta over a Vietnamese ship colliding with the Indonesian Navy patrol in the Natuna Sea," he remarked.
"The foreign affairs minister has lodged a protest. We have called the ambassador here, and the matter has also been handled amicably," the vice president noted.
Translator: Fransiska / Azis Kurmala
Editor: Suharto
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