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Sosok.ID – Until now, Indonesia has steadfastly refused to participate in disputes in the South China Sea.
For Indonesia, there is no reason to fight for territory, because North Natuna clearly belongs to Indonesia.
China’s claims on the waters of the South China Sea are of growing concern.
Furthermore, the United States in the era of the Donald Trump administration has aggressively rejected China’s claims on the region.
Also read: Worse than China, Vietnam in 4 months has dropped 21 fishing boats for North Natuna Rongrong, stopping as illegal boats were not sunk
However, Indonesia has repeatedly emphasized its position in the South China Sea as a non-complainant.
RI is reluctant to side with either side, be it China or the United States, because Indonesia has no interest in it.
What Indonesia is currently doing is continuing to secure its marine areas in the Natuna region.
However, while RI is reluctant to get involved in matters in the South China Sea, this has not stopped China from dragging Indonesia into disputes in the region.
Read Also: Suddenly Claims by Natuna Waters, Beijing Communist Media Now Accuses Indonesia of Playing Trick in the South China Sea
According to The interpreter, China has repeatedly put forward various joint development proposals in the South China Sea since 2017.
In it there are countries like the Philippines and Vietnam, but Indonesia is also the leading country that received the offer.
China proposes the formation of the Spratly Resort Management Authority (SRMA).
With members not just countries claiming disputes, between Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia.
Also read: Not willing to be accused by China, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms that Indonesia firmly rejects the Nine Dash Line claim in front of the Chinese Ambassador
Huaigao Qi of Fudan University argues in an article published last year in the Journal of Contemporary East Asian Studies that China aims to play a constructive role in promoting a peaceful and stable region.
In addition to developing good relations with other littoral states and reducing Sino-American competition in disputed territories.
However, despite offering Indonesia to join SRMA, it appears that Beijing has not heard comment from RI.
The publication of a series of Chinese diplomatic notes has clearly made Indonesia suspicious of China’s intentions.
Also read: After the Chinese Coast Guard breaks into North Natuna, the Bamboo Curtain Ministry of Foreign Affairs picks up the conversation
Indonesia cannot participate in any Beijing proposals related to joint development in the South China Sea.
Indonesia’s position is clear that it is not a claimant of any kind in the South China Sea, so there are no outstanding maritime restrictions with China.
However, China unilaterally insists that Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and the continental shelf off Natuna Island overlap with its so-called “nine dashed lines” claim.
Indonesia has consistently rejected China’s claims.
Also read: The Chinese Coast Guard is acting again, occupying the North Natuna region and reluctant to be warned by Bakamla, so the Indonesian Navy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have intervened, this is the video!
A 2016 international court ruling stated that China’s “nine-dash line” lacks a solid legal basis under international law that supports Indonesia’s position.
For this reason alone, there is no basis for Indonesia to enter into any development agreement with China.
Not only that, to create joint development in disputed areas, China is required to have a valid claim under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Cooperating with China would be tantamount to validating its claims about the South China Sea, a move that would go against Indonesia’s interests.
Also read: Insisting on defending its claims that are clearly against the world, the Chinese Coast Guard ship enters the waters of Natuna again, could China want to seize this ‘treasure’?
China has never responded to Indonesia’s diplomatic requests for clarification on the nine dotted lines.
In his article, Huaigao writes that Beijing deliberately maintains ambiguity over the coordinates and legal basis of the nine-dash line in an attempt to avoid escalating disputes and maintain relations with ASEAN claimants.
Even if China takes further military action in the disputed territory, its relationship with the ASEAN claimants will deteriorate.
There is no reason to wait for this policy, so the nine dotted lines will change immediately.
Also read: China’s Coast Guard still costs in the Natuna Sea, has been kicked out by Bakamla since yesterday and still hasn’t left
As long as this ambiguity persists, there is no possibility of good faith on the part of China in negotiating joint development proposals with Indonesia.
Under international law, Indonesia is entitled to sovereign rights over its EEZ in the waters around Natuna Island and is entitled to the resources of the area.
If Indonesia agrees to a joint development proposal under the SRMA, Indonesia is likely to lose its sovereign rights under the EEZ.
This is because there will be a “Resource Management Authority” to regulate the exploration of joint development areas.
Also read: Death appeal does not persuade Indonesian persuasion, China now advances Neighboring country offers peace cooperation in the South China Sea
Following a series of incidents with China in the Natuna North Sea in recent years, President Joko Widodo strengthened Indonesia’s position in the region with a focus on three main programs: marine tourism, energy and defense.
In fact, Indonesia is more focused on developing the Natuna Islands than joining China.
This article has been published in Intisari.ID with the title: Playing it safe does not want to intervene in the affairs of the South China Sea, it turns out that China trapped Indonesia in this way to get involved in disputes in the South China Sea
(Afif Khoirul M)
