Indonesia’s Maritime Development Deal With China Raises Questions

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto shake hands in Beijing on November 9, 2024. Image: Florence Lo / POOL / AFP)

Saturday’s joint statement between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Chinese President Xi Jinping for the joint development of areas in the South China Sea with overlapping claims raised fears that Jakarta is weakening its own position in the adjacent Natuna Sea as well as wider regional stability.

On Monday, the Indonesian Foreign Ministry clarified in an official statement that the agreement did not imply recognition of China’s claims in the South China Sea and that Indonesia would continue to uphold its sovereign rights over the Natuna Sea. It also reiterated that Indonesia doesn’t claim parts of the South China Sea.

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by Edwin Shri Bimo

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