Indonesia’s Cooperation with ASEAN Countries in Handling Transnational Crime Cases: South China Sea Dispute

Abstract

The dispute over the South China Sea is one of the disputes that has a high potential for conflict, especially in the ASEAN region. The South China Sea is a sea that irrigates many countries, such as Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines China, Taiwan and Indonesia itself. Many things belong to the South China Sea, ranging from strategic interests and natural resources owned by the South China Sea. ASEAN in general and Indonesia specifically want territorial disputes in the South China Sea not to escalate into armed conflict. Therefore, Joint Development Authorities are formed in overlapping claim areas to develop the area and share the proceeds fairly without resolving the issue of sovereignty over the territory. Although not directly involved, Indonesia is neutral in disputes in the South China Sea. Indonesia has an interest in reducing the potential for such conflicts. The legal and diplomatic approach in the South China Sea conflict has been carried out by Indonesia for a long time, since the first president to the seventh president, President Jokowi and until now Indonesia is actively conducting diplomacy to realize a conducive and peaceful territorial area.

Economic Relations Between China and Asean: The Shadow of the South China Sea Issue

“…Efforts to resolve the SCS dispute have been ongoing, with various diplomatic initiatives and negotiations taking place. The ASEAN has played a central role in facilitating dialogue and promoting a peaceful resolution to the dispute (Setyawati & Amandha, 2022). However, progress has been slow, and tensions continue to simmer in the region.…”

“…China's emergence as a regional power and its maritime expansion into the SCS tested the capacity and limits of ASEAN in resolving security issues (De Castro, 2021). The SCS issue has the potential for conflict, especially in the ASEAN region (Setyawati & Amandha, 2022). The disputes in the SCS involve not only claiming countries but also other countries with interests in the region (Benyamin & Almubaroq, 2022).…”

“…It was first proposed by China and ASEAN in 2002, but negotiations have been slow and progress has been limited. ASEAN member states are still not united in their approach to the dispute (Setyawati & Amandha, 2022). Dialogue and diplomacy remain important tools for resolving the conflict and preventing further escalation.…”

“…This dispute led to tensions and mistrust between China and some ASEAN members. The dispute over the SCS has the potential for conflict, especially in the ASEAN region (Setyawati & Amandha, 2022). China has emerged as a regional power and has carried out maritime expansion into the SCS (De Castro, 2021).…”