Indonesia needs more than a military strategy for the Natunas

In this 2016 photo, Indonesian President Joko Widodo (centre) is seen on the deck of the warship KRI Imam Bonjol in the waters of the Natuna islands. - AFP

JAKARTA, Oct 25 (The Straits Times/ANN): A photo of Indonesian President Joko Widodo wearing a bomber jacket and standing next to a warship gun has become famous these last few years. It has been used in many media headlines and news articles, and was even on the cover of an academic book that examines Indonesian nationalism and sovereignty.

The picture was taken in late 2016. Then, the President had led a small-scale Cabinet meeting on a warship that sailed in the North Natuna Sea, after a Chinese fishing vessel had entered the Indonesian exclusive economic zone (EEZ) illegally. He sought to send a message that Jakarta will take any violation of Indonesian sovereign rights seriously.