Indonesia Notes Foreign Tankers In Its Waters, Stresses Legal Passage

By Nik Nurfaqih Nik Wil

JAKARTA, May 5 (Bernama) -- Indonesia has taken note of reports concerning the presence of foreign vessels in its waters, according to the republic’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday.

The ministry spokesperson, Yvonne Mewengkang, said navigation regulations in any waters, including those of Indonesia, are governed by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which recognises the various transit regimes applicable within each maritime zone.

“The Indonesian Government is currently conducting on-site verification and continues to undertake internal coordination, and is of the view that the vessels are exercising their right of passage in accordance with international law.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and communicate through the appropriate diplomatic channels,” she said in a statement.

The statement was issued following the presence of Iranian tanker vessels in Indonesian waters.

-- BERNAMA