Jakarta, IO – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) ascertains that Pulau Pasir (Sand Island) never belonged to Indonesia, even during the Dutch colonial rule. This was confirmed by MOFA’s Director General of Law and International Treaties Amrih Jinangkung after a resident from East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) demanded Australia to leave the island.
“So, the territory of the Republic of Indonesia based on international law which we call the principle of uti possidetis juris is the former territory of the Dutch East Indies and in this context, Pasir Island or Ashmore Island was never part of the Dutch East Indies,” Amrih said, reported Detik on Friday (28/10).
“Thus, when Indonesia gained its independence, Ashmore was never included on the map of the Republic of Indonesia’s territory,” he added.
Thus, Amrih once again stressed that Indonesia had never owned or claimed ownership of Pasir Island.