Indonesia began sinking dozens of impounded foreign boats Saturday to deter illegal fishing in its waters, a week after a naval vessel clashed with a Vietnamese coastguard near the South China Sea.
Up to 51 foreign boats -- including from Vietnam, Malaysia and China -- will be scuttled at several different locations over the next two weeks, officials said.
Over a dozen were scuttled Saturday near Pontianak, in West Kalimantan province.
Fisheries minister Susi Pudjiastuti said the action was necessary to warn neighbouring countries that Indonesia was serious about fighting illegal fishing.
"There's no other way," she said. "This is actually the most beautiful solution for our nation, but yes, it's scary for other countries."