INDONESIA’S STRATEGIC POSTURE IN THE INDO-PACIFIC: BALANCING MARITIME DEFENCE, DIPLOMACY, AND REGIONAL STABILITY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55960/jgf.v8i1.276Keywords:
Indo-Pacific, maritime security, defence strategy, naval modernisation, regional diplomacy, strategic autonomy, international lawAbstract
Abstract.
The Indo-Pacific region has emerged as a critical geopolitical and geoeconomic arena, shaped by strategic sea lanes, abundant natural resources, and intensifying power rivalries among major states. As the world’s largest archipelagic nation, Indonesia occupies a central position in this maritime domain, facing both opportunities and challenges in safeguarding its national interests. This study examines Indonesia’s evolving defence strategy, grounded in the principles of non-alignment and sovereign autonomy, and its efforts to address maritime security threats through a dual approach of defence modernisation and regional diplomacy. Adopting a qualitative content analysis method, the study draws on policy documents, strategic doctrines, and expert literature to explore Indonesia’s responses to disputes in the North Natuna Sea and South China Sea. The findings reveal how Indonesia combines naval capability development with confidence-building measures, ASEAN engagement, and a "friendly neighbour" policy to manage regional tensions while upholding international law. This balanced posture not only enhances Indonesia’s maritime security but also contributes to broader Indo-Pacific peace, cooperation, and resilience.
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