The South China Sea has been wracked by long-running conflicts over sovereignty claims from several countries. This strategic and resource-rich water area is a bone of contention for China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, and Taiwan. Each side makes claims based on historical reasons, mapping maritime areas, as well as principles of international law of the sea. The conflict has been going on for decades and has often sparked tensions and incidents in the region.
In the midst of such conflicts, Indonesia has a unique geographical position. Natuna territorial waters are directly adjacent to disputed areas in the South China Sea. Although not directly involved in sovereignty claims, Indonesia has an interest in safeguarding the sovereignty of its maritime territory in accordance with the principles of archipelagic states under UNCLOS 1982. Natuna waters are rich in natural resource potential and are important shipping lanes. Therefore, Indonesia must maintain the security and integrity of its territorial waters from threats such as territorial violations, illegal fishing, and other illegal activities.
Based on the Identification Study conducted in 2011, the North Natuna Sea has significant marine and fisheries resource potential, with an estimated of around 504,212.85 tons per year (DPMPTSP, 2020). Natuna, a district that has a land area of 2,001.30 km² and a sea area of 262,197.07 km², is significantly dominated by water areas reaching 99 percent. Its vast existence not only covers the area, but also contains a wealth of biodiversity that has the potential to be used sustainably. However, the existence of the North Natuna Sea directly adjacent to the South China Sea often triggers maritime security incidents that threaten Indonesia’s sovereignty in the region.
One of the main threats that often occurs in the North Natuna Sea is illegal fishing activities by foreign vessels. Fishing boats from Vietnam and China often enter these waters illegally to fish without permission from the Indonesian government. This practice is not only economically harmful, but also a violation of Indonesia’s sovereignty in the EEZ area.
In addition, the North Natuna Sea is also often the site of territorial violations by Chinese warships and reconnaissance aircraft. These incidents sparked tension and concern from the Indonesian side, which sees the move as a threat to the sovereignty of its maritime territory. Such territorial violations not only violate international law, but could also trigger a broader escalation of conflict in the South China Sea region.
Maritime Security Case Data in the North Natuna Sea (2020-2023):
| Year | Types of Violations | Natuna Utara Sea |
| 2020 | Illegal Ship Capture | 13 ships (12 Vietnamese, 1 Chinese) |
| 2020 | Territory Violations | 2 Chinese warships, 1 Chinese reconnaissance aircraft |
| 2021 | Illegal Ship Capture | 18 ships (16 Vietnamese, 2 Chinese) |
| 2021 | Territory Violations | 3 Chinese warships, 2 Chinese reconnaissance aircraft |
| 2022 | Illegal Ship Capture | 14 ships (11 Vietnamese, 3 Chinese) |
| 2022 | Territory Violations | 4 Chinese warships, 3 Chinese surveillance aircraft |
| 2023 | Illegal Ship Capture | 7 ships (5 Vietnamese, 2 Chinese) |
| 2023 | Territory Violations | – |
Source: processed by the author (2024)
Indonesia’s strategic approach in addressing the South China Sea disputes underscores the effectiveness of maritime diplomacy in safeguarding regional sovereignty. The country’s involvement in the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and its chairmanship from 2015 to 2017 highlight its commitment to enhancing international cooperation through cooperative and persuasive maritime diplomacy, in line with its vision as the World Maritime Axis.
This vision is further supported by Indonesia’s strategic response to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in the South China Sea, which seeks to boost its economy through economic diversification and strengthen regional connectivity, despite facing challenges such as environmental impact and debt management. Indonesia’s legal and diplomatic efforts to assert its sovereignty, particularly in the North Natuna Sea, demonstrate its resolve against unilateral claims, such as China’s Nine-Dash Line, by incorporating parts of the South China Sea into its Exclusive Economic Zone.
The economic interests at stake in the South China Sea, coupled with China’s assertiveness, underscore the importance for Indonesia to improve its defense diplomacy to safeguard its national interests. Despite President Joko Widodo’s vision to make Indonesia the World Maritime Axis, the realization of this vision faces obstacles, including the need for substantial improvements in maritime infrastructure and capacity.
These efforts are complemented by a series of strategies, ranging from diplomatic engagement to military readiness, to address geopolitical and geomaritime dynamics in the region. The Navy’s role as an instrument of diplomacy, rather than a war fighter, in the South China Sea disputes, reflects a strategic choice constrained by domestic and international conditions.
Legal and military diplomacy, through agreements and cooperation with other countries, is crucial for Indonesia to protect its national sovereignty and enhance its strategic relevance in the ASEAN region. In addition, Indonesia’s role in ASEAN in maintaining maritime security emphasizes its strategic importance in regional peace and security, demonstrating its ability to act without the influence of military, political, or ideological ties. Efforts to strengthen the Natuna border region and diplomatic tools in the ASEAN region to resolve territorial disputes further illustrate Indonesia’s multifaceted strategy.
The World Maritime Axis policy and engagement with China’s Maritime Silk Road policy reveal Indonesia’s strategic navigation of opportunities and threats to realize its maritime vision while maintaining security stability. Indonesia’s diplomatic role extends beyond maritime issues, as seen in its facilitation efforts to resolve the Southern Thailand conflict, but also demonstrates a broader commitment to regional security and stability.
Finally, territorial disputes in the South China Sea, particularly near the Natuna Islands, not only challenge Indonesia’s sovereign defense, but also offer an opportunity for Indonesia to mediate and ensure that its national interests, including the protection of its sovereign territory, are not compromised. Through these diplomatic and strategic efforts, Indonesia demonstrates the strength and wisdom of its maritime diplomacy in maintaining regional sovereignty, security stability, and fostering good relations with neighboring countries.
