Natuna Regent Abdul Hamid Rizal has suggested that the central government turn the Natuna and Anambas regencies in Riau Islands into new provinces to heighten security amid skirmishes with China in the North Natuna Sea. Abdul said Law No. 23/2014 on regional administrations had not given regency and city administrations the authority to oversee their waters, preventing Natuna and Anambas from securing and managing the Natuna waters, which have been frequented by ships from China laying claim on parts of their marine area. "If Natuna was a special province, then it can be granted the authority and the ability to secure, manage and guard its coastal area and waters — especially in the border region, which is currently under the authority of Riau Islands province," he said in a statement. He added that the Natuna administration along with its people would give all t...