Capt.(Dr.) S G Naravane’s Post

Prabowo has signed joint statement during historic visit to China yesterday, I think this is wrong and dangerous: “They include the joint development of fisheries and oil and gas in maritime areas of overlapping claims between the two countries..” (https://lnkd.in/g7aMqbUP) In 2020 I wrote an article for Lowy Institute, I argue why Indonesia should never conclude a joint development agreement with China in the North Natuna Sea. Indonesia has consistently objected to China’s claim. The 2016 international tribunal ruling, which confirmed that China’s “nine-dash line” has no legal basis under international law supports Indonesia’s position. Therefore conducting joint development with China would be tantamount to validating its South China Sea claims, a move that would be completely contrary to Indonesia’s interests. #Indonesia #China #SouthChinaSea #UNCLOS https://lnkd.in/gVRKx9GW

Has Indonesia fallen into China’s nine-dash line trap? "Indonesia’s recognition of China’s overlapping claim contradicts the Indonesia-Vietnam EEZ agreement. Indonesia has yet to ratify the agreement, and the recent statement recognising China’s overlapping claim now creates uncertainty around ratification. The joint statement between Indonesia and China has betrayed Indonesia’s national interest and seems to be a huge win for Beijing. It is consequential for Indonesia’s sovereign rights to use resources in its EEZ and continental shelf, and has significantly changed the political constellation and solidarity of ASEAN claimant states in the South China Sea." https://lnkd.in/gCR6h6zT

Great piece by Aristyo R. Darmawan for Blue Security Program in the Lowy Institute's Interpreter following last weekend's visit of Indonesian Pres. Prabowo to China. Well worth a read if you are interested in issues surrounding the South China Sea. 'Indonesia’s recognition of China’s overlapping claim contradicts the Indonesia-Vietnam EEZ agreement. Indonesia has yet to ratify the agreement, and the recent statement recognising China’s overlapping claim now creates uncertainty around ratification. The joint statement between Indonesia and China has betrayed Indonesia’s national interest and seems to be a huge win for Beijing. It is consequential for Indonesia’s sovereign rights to use resources in its EEZ and continental shelf, and has significantly changed the political constellation and solidarity of ASEAN claimant states in the South China Sea.'

Standing Firm: Indonesia’s Sovereignty in the South China Sea * Defending sovereignty with resolve: Indonesia's maritime security agency, Bakamla, twice intercepted and drove off a Chinese coast guard vessel disrupting energy surveys, signaling Jakarta’s firm stance against unlawful incursions. * International law backs Indonesia: The 2016 Hague ruling invalidated China's "nine-dash line" claim. Indonesia’s vigilance reinforces a commitment to international norms and rightful territorial boundaries. Indonesia’s response to Chinese provocations in the South China Sea is a masterclass in sovereignty. Twice this week, Chinese coast guard vessels ventured into Indonesian waters near the Natuna Islands, insisting on jurisdiction under their controversial claims. Twice, Indonesia’s Bakamla stood firm, intercepting and expelling the intruders. It was more than an act of defense—it was a declaration of pride and strength. China's nine-dash line has long been discredited, yet Beijing presses its arrogance. Indonesia, backed by international law, knows better. President Prabowo Subianto's administration and Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin have made it clear: these waters are not up for negotiation. Protecting the Natuna Sea’s energy resources is not just about economics—it is about dignity. The world watches as Indonesia leads by example. Vigilant patrols and unwavering commitment to sovereignty inspire others in the region. For Indonesia, this is a battle for the present and a message for the future: sovereignty cannot be compromised. See also: https://lnkd.in/g_9rchAU #SovereigntyStrong #NatunaPride #SouthChinaSea #RuleOfLaw #IndonesiaDefends

Vietnam has expressed its readiness to engage in discussions with the Philippines to resolve overlapping claims to the undersea continental shelf in the South China Sea. The Philippines recently requested the United Nations to formally recognize its right to the continental seabed extending from its western coast into the South China Sea, encompassing the disputed Spratly Islands. Such recognition would grant Manila exclusive rights to exploit undersea resources in the region. The undersea continental shelf claimed by the Philippines potentially overlaps with those claimed by other coastal states, including Vietnam. Philippine officials have indicated their willingness to negotiate based on the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which provides legal guidelines for defining territorial waters. Read more at.. https://lnkd.in/dREP8-xW #Philippines #Vietnam #UNCLOS #Southchinasea

https://lnkd.in/gzzrAnWz However, considering China is located far beyond the 200nm-exclusive economic zone and the 350nm-continental shelf, there is no way Indonesia should negotiate a maritime boundary delimitation with China. This is a huge loss for Indonesia’s ability to manage its natural resources

My preliminary analysis with the Lowy Institute Blue Security Program on the latest controversy surrounding the Indonesia-China joint statement and some of its possible legal and political implications. Check this out! Special thanks to pak ABDUL RAHMAN YAACOB for helping me to get this out! #Indonesia #China #SouthChinaSea

The Thai and Cambodian governments have revived efforts to settle a half-century dispute over sovereignty of a 27,000-square-kilometer area in the Gulf of Thailand. Here are five things to know. https://lnkd.in/g9N3T_S7

When a continental empire decides to start to evolve into a maritime empire - it realises that it is a whole new kettle of ... fish. The Chinese think tanks' reports are worth reading to understand the state of mind China's intelligentsia have about China and the rest of SEA. "Singling out other parties – Vietnam and Indonesia – is simply an attempt to divert attention from the maritime confrontation, and even drama, that is unfolding in the South China Sea, of which China’s substantive and contributory role should not be overlooked." Of course this is not China's fault, as the largest hegemony they expect everyone around them to adapt to them - while spouting equality as a message. Why is Indonesia singled out as well as Hanoi? This is actually interesting, to me, it is the beginning of the carrot stick approach to Prabowo. What is the carrot? All those shiny investments and the HSR. What is the stick? Allow China to extend the nine-dash line southwards. But why? Because the territory within the nine dash line contains very little natural gas and the proven reserves are in Indonesian, Bruneian and Malaysian claimed waters. The last time they sent ships to the Natunas, Jokowi assertively sent the Indon Navy to put the question to the Chinese. The latter backed down, but the damage was done - Indonesia became really interested in the SCS Code of Conduct. For some reason, China is getting ready to try again. This time they are looking for a three way confrontation - not at the same time, but it will happen, overlap and linger at the same time.