Indonesia sank 60 foreign fishing boats during its Independence Day on Aug. 17 in a dramatic message to China and neighboring countries to stop illegal fishing in Indonesian waters.

Susi Pudjiastuti, Indonesia's Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, said the ships were sunk near eight islands to create artificial reefs. In contrast, Indonesia blew-up captured ships in 2014 and 2015 to send a chilling message to their countries of origin. Malaysia also turns sunken foreign fishing vessels into artificial reefs.

Like Us on Facebook

The mass sinkings across Indonesia reinforce Indonesian President Joko Widodo's vow to get tough on foreign boats fishing unlawfully in waters within the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Indonesia also sank several Chinese boats captured off the Natuna Islands archipelago and elsewhere.

Many of the boats were seized off the Natunas where Indonesia's EEZ extends into the South China Sea.

China claims ownership of the Natunas based on its "nine-dash line" declared illegal last July 12 by the Permanent Court of Tribunal in The Hague. The court ruled that China has no legal basis to claim historic rights within the nine-dash line in the South China Sea. It also said none of the land features in the Spratlys meet the criteria for an island that China -- or any other country -- can use to claim a 200-nautical-mile EEZ.

The case filed by the Philippines has been labeled a "sweeping victory" against China.

In 2015, also on its Independence Day, Indonesia sank 41 fishing vessels from China, Vietnam, the Philippines and other nations after Widodo promised to get tough on illegal fishing in Indonesian waters by foreign fishing vessels, especially those from China.

The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries said it had caught 29 ships illegally fishing across Indonesia in July, including off the Natunas owned by Indonesia but claimed by China.

Widodo made a highly publicized visit to the Natunas last June in response to frequent incursions by Chinese vessels. China responded to Widodo's visit by issuing an official statement saying the waters off the Natuna's were China's traditional fishing ground.

TagsIndonesia, fishing boats, President Joko Widodo, Natuna Islands archipelago, china