Ahead of his state-level visit to Australia, Indonesian President Joko Widodo has vowed that his country would not make any compromise on its territorial claims in the disputed South China Sea.

"In regards to Indonesia's sovereignty, I don't compromise. I don't compromise," Widodo told Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Saturday.

Like Us on Facebook

The statement comes just days after Australia's Foreign Minister Julie Bishop announced that the two countries are planning to conduct joint naval patrols in the disputed South China Sea.

It must be noted that Jakarta conducted a large-scale aerial operation around the Natuna Islands last month. The operation came amid growing tensions with China, following a series of face-offs between Indonesian navy officials and Chinese fishing boats.

The face-off led to Indonesia summoning the Chinese ambassador in March after Jakarta remained adamant that it will prosecute eight Chinese trawlers for illegally fishing in its controlled territory in the South China Sea.   

Indonesia is laying claim over the entire Natuna Islands, which is located in the larger Tudjuh Archipelago, off the northwest coast of Borneo.  China has never refuted Indonesia's claim over the island and maintains that both countries have "overlapping claims" over certain territorial parts.

Widodo will hold a meeting with several important officials including Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull during his state-level visit.  He is expected to push for a bilateral trade agreement that is expected to be finalized next year.

The Indonesian president's critical visit to Australia is underscored by the fact that latter is a staunch ally of the U.S. and supporter of its "freedom of navigation" operation. The U.S.-led operation is aimed at countering China's growing dominance in the disputed South China Sea.

TagsSouth China Sea Dispute, Indonesia, Natuna Islands, Indonesian President, Joko Widodo, Indonesia and Australia