REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The Indonesian and Vietnamese governments have agreed to diplomatically solve the Natuna incident that occurred in Indonesia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) on May 21, Marine Affairs and Fishery Ministry's Secretary General Rifki Effendi Hardijanto stated.

"We (Indonesian and Vietnamese governments) will solve this incident through diplomatic means, and do our best, so the same thing will not happen again," Hardijanto noted during a press conference at the Mina Bahari building IV of the Ministry of Marine Affairs in Jakarta on Tuesday.

The incident in Natuna occurred when the ministry's patrol boat Hiu Macan intercepted five foreign fishing vessels from Vietnam that had trespassed into Indonesian EEZ in Natuna, and at the same time, the Vietnamese Coast Guard boat demanded the release of those boats.

The incident led to a collision and sinking of a Vietnamese fishing boat, and around 44 fishermen jumped into the sea and were later rescued by the Vietnamese Coast Guard.

However, the ministry's patrol boat also detained 11 fishermen who were later brought to the base in Natuna and Pontianak.

"This morning, I and Miss Minister (Susi Pudjiastuti) met the Vietnamese ambassador and agreed on some things, such as being thankful to God that there was no victim in that incident," Hardijanto pointed out.

Hardijanto also stated that Gunawan from the ministry was aboard the boat that sank and was rescued by the Vietnamese Coast Guard.

Hardijanto has made assurance that currently, Gunawan is in good condition in Vietnam and will be sent back as soon as possible.

Hardijanto was also confident that there will be no exchange of hostages since Gunawan is not being held captive in Vietnam.

"There is no exchange. We will also send back their fishermen," he said, adding that currently, there are hundreds of Vietnamese at the base, and they are all in good condition.

He revealed that the Indonesian government will conduct a "joint investigation" along with its Vietnamese counterpart to uncover the cause of the collision and will solve the problem diplomatically.

Hardijanto expressed hope that during the investigation later, the Vietnamese fishermen would not venture near Natuna, which falls under Indonesia's EEZ.

With regard to the protests lodged through diplomatic notes, among others, Hardijanto said his part will also cooperate with the foreign ministry while taking these steps. 

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