Analysis of Indonesian Navy’s Naval Diplomacy in Response to the Dynamics of the South China Sea Disputes During the 2015-2020 Period

10.2478/bjlp-2022-004107

Abstract

The South China Sea dispute has become a growing concern for Southeast Asia's regional security, including Indonesia. The disputes have been a cause for the militarization of the region, that in turn could cause a disturbance to regional stability. Regional stability interference could threaten Indonesia’s national interests, particularly in the economic and defense spheres. As the actor responsible for Indonesia’s maritime security, the Indonesian navy has a vital role in Indonesia’s attempt to deal with the South China Sea disputes. One of the ways the Indonesian navy deals with the situation in the South China Sea is through naval diplomacy. Furthermore about the geopolitical conditions of the South China Sea, it could be said that the issue is sensitive. The South China Sea dispute involves several Southeast Asia states and China. China itself is a superpower state that seeks to control the South China Sea. Another prominent actor in the dispute is the United States, which seeks stability and security in the South China Sea. Considering that naval diplomacy is one of Indonesia's most important foreign policy instruments in dealing with the South China Sea dispute, research needs to be done on the subject. Using J. J. Widen’s framework for naval diplomacy analysis and qualitative methods, this research finds that Indonesia’s naval diplomacy during the 2015-2020 period has been a successful instrument in reaching the state’s interests.