The Indonesian government is holding discussions with marine legal experts about renewed tensions in the disputed South China Sea, saying it wishes to remain friends with China but will not forsake its sovereignty.
Fears have emerged that China may be trying to corner Indonesia and drag them into the the conflict over the contested region with a third confrontation over allegations of illegal fishing in the Natuna sea within as many months.
While a number of Indonesia's neighbours - including the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia - are locked in a territorial dispute with China over the South China Sea, Indonesia has sought to remain neutral.
But the latest showdown between the Indonesia navy and Chinese vessels in Natuna, off the north of the archipelago, has left it questioning how to maintain their friendship with China while protecting their rights over what it says is its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Security Minister Luhut Panjaitan said it will never "acknowledge" China's claim the waters are its traditional fishing ground.
"There's no reason for Indonesia to have problems with China because Indonesia is actually in a position where everything is clear - the EEZ - is clear," he said on Monday.
"We want to be a neighbour, to have a good relationship with China without sacrificing our sovereignty."
His ministry, the foreign ministry, the military and the navy are now holding discussions with international marine legal experts to try and find the "best solution", Mr Panjaitan said.
According to the Indonesian Foreign Ministry, up to 12 foreign fishing vessels were spotted throwing nets in Natuna waters at around 4.30am on Friday.
Upon seeing the navy, the vessels allegedly tried to flee. They were told to stop and turn off their engines.
When they did not, a warning shot was fired into the air, Indonesia says.
Indonesia alleges the vessels nearly crashed into the navy ship while retreating but one was caught around six hours later.
Seven crew, including one woman, have been detained by the navy - despite a Chinese coastguard coming into Natuna waters and asking Indonesia to release them.
Investigations into the vessel are ongoing, with two tonnes of suspected illegally caught fish found aboard the Chinese ship.
It comes after two similar confrontations with Chinese boats caught allegedly trawling in the same waters in March and May this year.
Hasjim Djalal, a former UN ambassador and senior adviser to the Indonesian minister for maritime affairs, said he was concerned the recent incident indicates an attempt by China to "corner" Indonesia.
"China is in dispute with the Philippines, with Vietnam, with Malaysia and Brunei ... it seems that China might be trying to drag Indonesia into this dispute," he said after talking with the government on Monday.
