The Confidence Of The Head Of The Indonesia-China Investment BKPM Is Not Disturbed By The Natuna Problem

Head of BKPM, Bahlil Lahadalia. (Irfan Meidianto / VOI)

JAKARTA - Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Bahlil Lahadalia assessed that the problems between Indonesia and China in the Natuna Sea, Riau Islands, will not affect Chinese investment in Indonesia. The reason is, sovereignty and investment are two different things.

"When talking about the Natuna issue and investment are two different things. Investment is investment, a business relationship between the two parties. Meanwhile, Natuna is a matter of sovereignty," he said in a written statement, Tuesday, January 7.

Bahlil said that the solution to the Natuna problem was at the level of good diplomatic relations. It is hoped that good diplomatic relations will support the investment process of both parties.

"My job is how to convince them (investors) how Indonesia is a positive place for investment," he said.

President Joko Widodo previously emphasized that there was no bargaining regarding the sovereignty of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), especially those related to the country's territory in Natuna, Riau Islands (Kepri).

"There is no such thing as bargaining over sovereignty, regarding the territory of our country," said President Jokowi.

This statement is related to the heating up of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and China in the last few days because a number of Chinese fishing boats are still staying in Natuna waters to this day.

The foreign ships are determined to catch fish which is about 130 miles from the waters of Ranai, Natuna. Meanwhile, the TNI has deployed eight Republic of Indonesia (KRI) ships on patrol to secure Natuna waters.