Even Though Natuna Was Heating Up, The Indonesia-China Economic Relations Had No Effect

Deputy Chairman of the MPR, Syarief Hasan. (Mery Handayani / VOI)

JAKARTA - The diplomatic approach taken by the Indonesian government to China's claim to North Natuna waters is considered to be the right first step. However, this is not enough, considering that China's claim to North Natuna waters has not only happened once.

Deputy Chairman of the MPR, Syarief Hasan, said that the government could take decisive steps, namely by reviewing investment and cooperation with China.

"There needs to be real firm action from our government, so that it will be a lesson for us as well," he said, at the DPR Building, Parliament Complex, Tuesday, January 7.

Syarief said that the government should not be afraid of the impact of this policy, because it has become a risk in order to safeguard the country's sovereignty. Given China's attitude that remains unfazed from the waters of North Natuna, Indonesia.

Syarief explained that Indonesia does not need to be afraid that heating up relations with China will have implications for the domestic economy. Because, according to him, China is only the third largest investor country.

"China definitely needs Indonesia. It really needs Indonesia. So there is no need to worry about the implications for the Indonesian economy," he said.

Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Bahlil Lahadalia admitted that the heated relations with China after the violations committed in the Indonesian EEZ region would not affect Chinese investment in Indonesia.

"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 Wednesday, January 8.

Bahlil explained that the government could resolve diplomatic problems with China in North Natuna. So, he said, investment from the Asian giant would continue to flow to Indonesia.

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