By Chandra Asmara and Philip J. Heijmans
(Bloomberg) — In a significant diplomatic development, Indonesia has firmly rejected any implications that it formally acknowledged China’s contentious claims in the South China Sea following a joint statement issued after talks with Beijing. The announcement faced considerable backlash from various quarters, calling into question Indonesia’s stance on maritime sovereignty.
Responding to the uproar, the Indonesian Foreign Ministry in Jakarta clarified that the joint statement could not be interpreted as an endorsement of China’s widely contested “nine-dash line.” The controversy intensified after the Chinese government unveiled a joint declaration during Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s recent diplomatic visit to Beijing. This statement outlined a mutual agreement to engage in maritime initiatives and indicated that both nations had “reached a common understanding on joint development in areas of overlapping claims,” which directly involves contested territorial waters.
In its defense, the ministry stated, “This cooperation has no impact on Indonesia’s sovereignty, sovereign rights or the jurisdiction in the North Natuna Sea,” which is a region embroiled in disputes within the broader context of the South China Sea tensions. The timing of this statement is particularly noteworthy after Indonesia’s Maritime Security Agency reported that it successfully intercepted and expelled Chinese Coast Guard vessels from its territorial waters, reaffirming Jakarta’s active stance in defending its maritime claims.
While Indonesia does not lay formal claim to the South China Sea, it has historically navigated its diplomatic relations in a way that avoids acknowledgment of China’s expansive territorial claims, which are based on a nebulous map from 1947 featuring a U-shaped line.
Prabowo’s visit to Beijing, his first since taking office in October, forms part of a broader strategy to strike a balance between its relationships with major powers, specifically China and the United States. During his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the two leaders resolved to collaboratively develop fisheries resources and promote maritime safety in the contentious region. Additionally, business agreements between Chinese and Indonesian companies were expected to exceed a staggering $10 billion.
Nonetheless, the joint statement has incited significant criticism from both current and former officials in Indonesia. “Even if in the format of a joint statement or MOU, Indonesia’s new position is a unilateral action that is binding vis-a-vis China,” asserted Eddy Pratomo, a senior Indonesian diplomat and former special envoy to the president for maritime delimitation. He warned that such arrangements may complicate Indonesia’s capacity to alter its legal position later, due to established principles in international law.
In a further development, Indonesia’s Maritime Security Agency informed parliament on Monday about an upcoming meeting with high-ranking Chinese coast guard officials early next month, aiming to fortify bilateral relations within the maritime sector. Lawmakers voiced concerns that the maritime agency must enhance protective measures against potential threats from China, considering Indonesia’s relatively limited naval fleet capacity. “Is this a test or what? It’s like they are mocking us,” expressed opposition lawmaker Sarifah Ainun during the parliamentary hearing, pointing out the irony of the situation where Indonesian fishermen face arrests for entering China’s purported territorial waters, while Indonesian authorities only manage to chase away the Chinese vessels.
**Interview with Dr. Yanti Raharjo, an expert on Southeast Asian geopolitics**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Raharjo. In light of Indonesia’s recent diplomatic developments with China, what are the implications of Jakarta’s actions regarding the South China Sea?
**Dr. Raharjo:** Thank you for having me. Indonesia’s firm rejection of any endorsement of China’s claims in the South China Sea is quite significant. It signals Jakarta’s commitment to protecting its sovereignty, particularly in the North Natuna Sea, which is critical for Indonesia’s national interests.
**Interviewer:** Many observers noted the backlash following the joint statement issued during President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Beijing. How do you interpret this reaction?
**Dr. Raharjo:** The backlash indicates a strong nationalist sentiment within Indonesia. The government faces pressure to maintain a clear stance on maritime sovereignty, particularly with rising tensions in the South China Sea. The clarity from the Indonesian Foreign Ministry was necessary to reassure both domestic and international audiences that Indonesia would not compromise its sovereignty.
**Interviewer:** Could you elaborate on the potential dangers of the joint statement and what it could mean for future relations between Indonesia and China?
**Dr. Raharjo:** The joint statement, while framed as a cooperation initiative, could have been perceived as Indonesia acquiescing to China’s demands. If not clarified, it might have set a precedent for future negotiations that could undermine Indonesia’s position in the region. However, as it stands, Jakarta is maneuvering carefully, trying to maintain a balance between diplomatic engagement and asserting its rights.
**Interviewer:** With Indonesia’s history of navigating diplomatic relations, how do you see its approach evolving in response to maritime claims?
**Dr. Raharjo:** Indonesia has historically adopted a cautious approach, avoiding formal claims to areas in dispute while advocating for multilateralism. This diplomatic balancing act will likely continue, as Indonesia seeks to assert its rights without escalating tensions. It is a delicate situation, and Indonesia’s recent actions show that it is prepared to take a stand when necessary.
**Interviewer:** what should we be looking out for in the coming weeks regarding Indonesia’s maritime policy?
**Dr. Raharjo:** Keep an eye on Indonesia’s interactions with other Southeast Asian nations as well as its military activities in the region. There could be more robust naval exercises or agreements with allies, which could strengthen Indonesia’s position in defending its maritime territory. Additionally, how Indonesia navigates international forums and engages with ASEAN will be crucial in shaping its maritime policy moving forward.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Raharjo, for your insights. It will be interesting to see how this situation develops in the coming months.
