Indonesia and China Forge Joint Development Plan Amid South China Sea Tensions
Indonesia aims to strengthen relationships with China through a new joint development initiative, according to the Foreign Ministry. The Ministry emphasized that this plan will not compromise Indonesia’s legal rights or jurisdiction in disputed waters.
President Prabowo Subianto recently highlighted that “partnerships are better than conflicts.” This statement comes amid concerns that Indonesia might support China’s extensive claims in the South China Sea, which could clash with other Southeast Asian nations’ rights.
On November 9, following a meeting between President Prabowo and China’s President Xi Jinping, the two countries announced a mutual understanding regarding joint development in areas where claims overlap.
Interview with Abdul Kadir Jailani, Director-General for Asia, Pacific, and Africa Affairs, Indonesian Foreign Ministry
News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Jailani. Indonesia has recently announced a joint development initiative with China. Can you elaborate on the motivations behind this initiative?
Abdul Kadir Jailani: Thank you for having me. This initiative aims to strengthen our bilateral ties with China while ensuring that Indonesia’s legal rights and jurisdiction in disputed waters remain intact. It reflects our commitment to advance mutual interests through collaboration, rather than confrontation.
News Directory 3: President Prabowo has emphasized that “partnerships are better than conflicts.” How does this philosophy translate into the government’s dealings in the South China Sea?
Abdul Kadir Jailani: The President’s statement encapsulates our approach to international relations. We believe that constructive partnerships can lead to regional stability and shared prosperity. While we are aware of the complexities of the South China Sea situation, our focus remains on maintaining peace and clarity regarding our national rights.
News Directory 3: There have been concerns regarding Indonesia’s non-claimant position and the implications of this new initiative. How does the government respond to such concerns?
Abdul Kadir Jailani: We acknowledge the concerns and emphasize that Indonesia is steadfast in its non-claimant position. Our initiative is strictly about exploring cooperation in overlapping areas, and we urge people to avoid speculating beyond that. Our legal rights and jurisdiction are non-negotiable.
News Directory 3: You mentioned plans for an intergovernmental committee. What will its roles and responsibilities be?
Abdul Kadir Jailani: The intergovernmental committee will be crucial in defining the specifics of our cooperation with China. It will help determine the geographic scope and the terms under which we will operate while maintaining transparency and protecting our national interests. However, I must note that we are still in the process of establishing this committee, and currently, we do not have a definitive timeline.
News Directory 3: How does the government plan to address concerns from other Southeast Asian nations regarding Indonesia’s partnership with China?
Abdul Kadir Jailani: Our commitment is to foster an environment of dialogue and collaboration. We aim to reassure our neighbors that the initiative is not designed to undermine their rights. Indonesia values its relationships with other ASEAN countries and will continue to engage with them to promote regional stability and mutual understanding.
News Directory 3: Thank you for your insights, Mr. Jailani. It’s crucial for our readers to understand the nuances behind Indonesia’s foreign policy.
Abdul Kadir Jailani: Thank you for having me. It’s important for everyone to stay informed about these developments as we navigate this complex landscape together.
This announcement raised concerns in Indonesia. Analysts warned that it could indicate a shift in Jakarta’s non-claimant position and threaten its exclusive resource rights. A senior official from the Foreign Ministry responded that Indonesia is maintaining its long-standing stance on China’s claims. He noted that any speculation beyond the intention to explore cooperation should not occur.
The official mentioned that Indonesia and China plan to create an intergovernmental committee to outline the cooperation’s details. Abdul Kadir Jailani, the director-general for Asia, Pacific, and Africa affairs, stated that the geographic scope of the cooperation will be determined by the committee, though no timeline for its establishment was provided.