JAKARTA – In a decisive move showcasing its sovereignty, Indonesia’s Maritime Security Agency has successfully driven out a Chinese coast guard vessel — not once, but twice this past week — from its contested waters in the South China Sea. These incidents serve as a significant test for the newly inaugurated President Prabowo Subianto, who has committed to strengthening the nation’s territorial defense.
Confrontation at Sea
The Chinese vessel first disrupted a survey conducted by Pertamina, Indonesia’s state energy firm, on 21 October 2024. When attempted contact was made by the Indonesian coast guard, the Chinese vessel claimed the area was under Beijing’s jurisdiction, inciting further tension.
Defending Sovereignty
According to the Indonesian maritime security agency, the coast guard’s interventions are designed to ensure that seismic data gathering can proceed without threats to Indonesia’s sovereignty. The agency stated, “Bakamla will keep patrolling and intensively monitoring the waters of North Natuna to ensure seismic data gathering can go without disruption to Indonesia’s sovereignty.” This robust stance comes amid growing international concern over China’s expansive claims in the region.
Impact of China’s Claims
- China asserts sovereignty over most of the South China Sea via a controversial “nine-dash line,” impacting several countries, including Malaysia, Brunei, and the Philippines.
- The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in 2016 that China’s claims are baseless under international law — a ruling that Beijing disregards.
Strategic Significance
The South China Sea is believed to host vast unexploited reserves of oil and gas resources. This makes the area critical not just for Indonesia, but for several Southeast Asian nations eyeing energy security, which also fuels maritime disputes with China.
Future Cooperation
Despite the maritime skirmishes, the new Indonesian Defence Minister, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, met with the Chinese ambassador in Jakarta on 24 October 2024, aiming to boost defence cooperation. No mention was made of the recent maritime confrontations in that meeting — reflecting a complex, often contradictory relationship between economic collaboration and territorial disputes.
The unfolding situation serves as a reminder of the ongoing geopolitical tensions in Southeast Asia and the balancing act that regional nations must perform amidst China’s assertive policies.