An Indonesian lawmaker has called on the government to step up security in the North Natuna Sea, the resource-rich waters bordering the South China Sea, where military tensions have been building between the United States and China in recent weeks.

Mr Syarief Hasan, deputy chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly comprising lawmakers and senators, said last Thursday the feud should not be underestimated and could potentially trigger an "open war with fatal consequences".