Tokyo: Japan has been increasing its fishery-related aid to Indonesia's remote Natuna Islands, located in the southern part of the South China Sea, in what appears to be an effort to curb China's influence in the region. Indonesia's exclusive economic zone around these islands partially overlaps with areas claimed by China under the contentious "nine dash line," a maritime boundary that covers much of the South China Sea.
According to Philippines News Agency, Tokyo, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is planning to support the development of a fish market in Ranai, the central city of Bunguran Island, the largest of the Natuna Islands. Hadi Suryanto, head of the local fisheries department, mentioned that the residents are eagerly anticipating the new market, as the current facility is too small and lacks proper drainage.
The Japanese government-held agency intends to provide approximately 88 billion Indonesian rupiah, or about 800 million yen, in grant aid for the proposed fish market. The project aims to revitalize the local economy by establishing a market with a wharf, cold-storage facilities, and ice-making equipment within a year.
In the waters surrounding the Natuna Islands, known for being excellent fishing grounds for tuna and bonito, Chinese fishing boats are reportedly operating illegally. China claims sovereignty based on the nine dash line and asserts ownership over natural gas and other resources in the area. JICA is also considering a project to assist Indonesia in strengthening its maritime surveillance capabilities, with the Natuna Islands being a potential location.
Following the inauguration of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in October 2024, operations by a research vessel from a state-owned oil company were disrupted by a Chinese coast guard ship. At a subsequent summit between Prabowo and Chinese President Xi Jinping, both parties announced an "important common understanding on joint development in areas of overlapping claims," which led to domestic criticism that the president had acknowledged China's nine dash line.
The Natuna Islands, near the strategic Strait of Malacca, are crucial for Japan, which relies heavily on oil tankers passing through the area. Tomotaka Shoji, director of the Regional Studies Department at Japan's National Institute for Defense Studies, noted that Japan shares strategic interests with Indonesia regarding Chinese maritime expansion. Japan's increased support in the Natuna Islands is intended to encourage Indonesia to establish economic activities independent of other nations before China makes further economic advances, Shoji added.
While there have been no significant clashes between Indonesia and China recently, Indonesia is bolstering its military presence and personnel on the Natuna Islands. An Indonesian government official cautioned that it is uncertain when China might alter its stance towards Indonesia.
