Aristyo Rizka Darmawan is a Lecturer in International Law and researcher at the Centre for Sustainable Ocean Policy at Universitas Indonesia. His research focuses on the law of the sea and maritime security in Southeast Asia. He holds a Master’s in international law from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.
The passage of UNCLOS (1982) was a diplomatic and existential success story for Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelagic state. However, new challenges in maritime law have arisen in the 40 years since the Convention’s passage and action must be taken to ensure its continued relevance to Indonesia and the world.
The recent signing of three treaties — a Flight Information Region agreement, a Defence Cooperation Agreement and an extradition treaty — augurs well for relations between Indonesia and Singapore. It is also a boost to regional security.
The newly-appointed commander of the Indonesian military has an army background. But his appointment comes at a time when Indonesia’s defence challenges fall largely in the maritime domain.
A Chinese survey ship was reported to be operating in Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone in the North Natuna Sea last week. This is not new, but this time the survey ship was reportedly accompanied by at least six Chinese naval vessels. Jakarta should consider a firm response to Beijing.
