Joint Defense Regional Commands (Kogabwilhan) Commander I Rear Adm. Yudo Margono made assurance of the Chinese coast guard and fishing vessels having departed from Indonesia's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) near Natuna waters, Riau Islands Province.

However, the maritime security operation in the Indonesian EEZ will be conducted round the clock during the year. Seven naval ships were deployed to support the routine patrols there, he notified journalists in Natuna District on Sunday.

"There is no time limit. The operation to safeguard our waters will be conducted during the year," he noted, adding that the Chinese vessels had exited the Indonesian EEZ by referring to reports of an aerial reconnaissance and naval ships' commanders.

While drawing reference to an aerial reconnaissance conducted by the Indonesian Air Force's reconnaissance aircraft at 2 p.m. local time, the Chinese vessels had already exited the Indonesian EEZ, Margono explained.

Reports on Chinese coast guard and fishing vessels no longer being visible near the Natuna waters were also backed by the commanders of the Indonesian naval ships that expelled the Chinese ships from the Indonesian EEZ, he stated.

Margono expressed keenness to bring to light this latest condition to rectify the information been circulated among members of the Indonesian public, he added.

On Saturday, three Indonesian naval ships still spotted several Chinese coast guard and fishing vessels in Indonesia's EEZ near Natuna waters.

The warships then drove the Chinese fishing boats out of the Indonesian EEZ when they were attempting to spread their fishing nets.

If the Chinese fishing vessels remain in the Indonesian EEZ, they will be apprehended and tried in court.

President Jokowi has instructed the Indonesian authorities to act sternly against those violating the Indonesian EEZ, Yudo Margono stated.

"Do not allow the relations between Indonesia and China to be disrupted by the Chinese fishing vessels' illegal activities," Margono noted in a press statement after joining an aerial reconnaissance of the Indonesian Air Force's reconnaissance aircraft on Saturday. Escorted by six Chinese coast guard vessels and a Chinese ship from its maritime surveillance agency, the Chinese fishing boats were found spreading their fishing nets for poaching. (ANTARA)