Indonesia Seeks Sovereignty Over Natuna Islands At The South China Sea

NATUNA, RANAI, INDONESIA - AUGUST 17: A security ship crew of Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries observes during a patrol in the South China Sea on August 17, 2016 in Natuna, Ranai, Indonesia. Amidst the escalated tensions at the South China Sea, Indonesia continues to maintain its sovereignty over the Natuna Islands through security patrols along Indonesia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which overlaps China's nine-dash line, an area which Beijing claims as its "traditional fishing grounds". After a series of face-offs between government vessels and illegal fishermen, the Indonesian government sank 60 illegal foreign vessels to mark its Independence Day while announcing that it seeks to rename the South China Sea to the Natuna Sea in the area within 200 nautical miles of the Natuna Islands. Aiming a hardline approach to its neighboring countries, including China, to be in control of its territory, Indonesian President Joko Widodo launched a campaign to strengthen Indonesian fisheries, oil exploration and defence facilities around the Natuna islands. (Photo by Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images)