Indonesia Denies Accepting China’s South China Sea Claims After Joint Statement

Indonesia denied that it recognized China’s disputed claims in the South China Sea after a joint agreement on developing contested maritime areas.

The controversy began after China announced the agreement during Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s recent visit to Beijing.

On Monday, Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry responded that its partnership with China does not impact Indonesia’s sovereign rights in the North Natuna Sea, where Beijing has controversially included Indonesian waters under its “nine-dash line” claim.

The Ministry said the agreement should not be considered as Jakarta accepting China’s presence in the region.

President Prabowo’s first trip to China since taking office was intended to strengthen collaboration in maritime initiatives, fisheries, and regional security.

While his government said that Indonesia is not formally involved in the South China Sea dispute, critics are concerned that the joint statement with China weakens Indonesia’s long-standing stance to recognize Beijing’s claims.

China’s “nine-dash line” map claims major parts of Indonesia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which Jakarta has continuously opposed. According to Eddy Pratomo, a senior Indonesian diplomat, Indonesia’s recent joint statement with China could compromise the country’s legal standing.

He said that by recognizing “overlapping claims,” Jakarta risks adding legitimacy to China’s position in future international litigation or discussions. Pratomo reportedly expressed concern that such cooperation could set an example for regional dynamics, especially with ASEAN, which has been collectively cautious about China’s territorial claims.

Sarifah Ainun, a member of Indonesia’s parliament, shared these concerns, doubting the effectiveness of Indonesia’s response to China’s activities in its waters.

Ainun expressed concern about the nation’s ability to defend its maritime rights, citing a recent incident in which Indonesian officials had to stop and expel Chinese coast guard ships that had entered Indonesian waters.

Beijing’s Foreign Ministry said the joint statement shows both countries’ agreement to pursue development in “overlapping maritime areas,” thereby reaffirming its position on the South China Sea.

China gave coordinates for its claim to the Scarborough Shoal, a Philippine-controlled reef, marking the first time Beijing has provided a defined boundary for its claim. China’s Foreign Ministry described the decision as a step toward “lawful marine management” that complies with international laws.

Indonesia’s Maritime Security Agency plans to meet with Chinese coast guard officials next month to discuss maritime issues.

References: Bloomberg, The Jakarta Post

Source: Maritime Shipping News