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December 2, 2024 | 06:48 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono has addressed concerns surrounding the recent Indonesia-China joint statement. He emphasized that the maritime cooperation does not compromise Indonesia's sovereignty over the South China Sea.
“When it comes to sovereignty, we do not change our stance,” Sugiono said during a working meeting with Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR) at the Senayan parliamentary complex on Monday, December 2, 2024.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Chinese President Xi Jinping on November 9, 2024, signed the joint statement, which outlines cooperation in various areas, including maritime cooperation. Point 9 of the statement mentions a "common understanding on joint development in areas of overlapping claims."
Sugiono clarified that this does not imply recognition of China's nine-dash line claim. “We have not expressed any recognition, nor have we stated that we will work at point A, coordinate B. That doesn’t exist,” he explained.
He highlighted President Prabowo's directive to enhance cooperation with neighboring countries for the benefit of Indonesia. The joint statement adheres to principles of mutual respect and relevant international regulations.
“The focus is on utilizing natural resources and wealth for mutual benefit,” Sugiono added.
Professor Hikmahanto Juwana, an international law expert from the University of Indonesia, raised concerns about the implications of the "overlapping claims" clause. He questioned whether this referred to China's nine-dash line claim, which overlaps with Indonesia's Exclusive Economic Zone in the North Natuna Sea.
If this is the case, he assessed in a written statement on Monday, November 11, that it signifies a drastic shift in Indonesia's policy towards China's unilateral claim.
He emphasized that Indonesia has consistently rejected China's nine-dash line claim, which is not recognized under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The Permanent Court of Arbitration's 2016 ruling further solidified this position.
However, the joint statement raises concerns that Indonesia may now be recognizing China's unilateral claim. Hikmahanto described this as a regression in Indonesia's stance on the matter.
He explained that joint development can only occur when both parties acknowledge overlapping maritime zones. Recognizing China's nine-dash line claim contradicts Indonesia's maritime boundary negotiations and domestic laws and regulations.
Hikmahanto further warned that joint development with China could have significant geopolitical implications for the region.
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