Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, addressing the contentious issue of the South China Sea while in Washington on Wednesday, affirmed Indonesia’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty. At the same time, he emphasized that partnerships are preferable to conflict, adding, “We respect all powers.”
Indonesia’s Position on South China Sea Disputes
President Prabowo’s remarks come after Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry reaffirmed that Indonesia does not recognize China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea. This follows a recent maritime cooperation deal signed with China, sparking concerns over Indonesia’s position in the region. Despite the agreement, Indonesia maintains its stance that it holds no territorial claims in the South China Sea, and the deal should not be seen as conceding any sovereignty over its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
China’s claim over much of the South China Sea, marked by its “nine-dash line” on official maps, overlaps with the EEZs of several Southeast Asian countries, leading to frequent regional tensions.
Commitment to Sovereignty and Non-Alignment
“We respect all powers, but we will always safeguard our sovereignty,” Prabowo reiterated, stressing that he favors partnerships over conflicts. Throughout his presidency, Prabowo has advocated for a non-aligned foreign policy, seeking balance in Indonesia’s international relationships.
During his first overseas visit since taking office, Prabowo met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where they signed a maritime development agreement addressing “joint development in areas of overlapping claims.” The wording has sparked domestic concern, with some analysts suggesting it might appear as a shift from Indonesia’s non-claimant stance and potentially affect its right to resources within its EEZ.
Strategic Discussions with the U.S. and Future Global Engagements
Prabowo also met with U.S. President Joe Biden, discussing Indonesia’s role in the South China Sea. He emphasized his intent to foster cooperative relationships that respect Indonesia’s sovereignty. His international tour will continue with upcoming visits to Peru for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit and to Brazil for the G20 summit.
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