Indonesia's Role in the Burgeoning South China Sea Crisis
May 8, 2024
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President-elect Prabowo Subianto faces challenges as tensions rise in the South China Sea. Analyst Zulfikar discusses Indonesia's position, navigating Chinese incursions, and balancing ties with the US. The podcast explores Indonesia's role in the escalating crisis and the complexities of mediating amidst regional tensions.
Indonesia's President-elect faces a pivotal challenge in managing the South China Sea crisis and maintaining neutrality.
China's dominance in Indonesia's nickel industry raises concerns about environmental impact and the need for technical assistance.
Deep dives
Concerns over South China Sea Crisis and Taiwan Monitoring
While many believe Taiwan is a significant flashpoint in Asia, recent insights suggest a lesser focus on it due to the complexities of a military operation. The crisis intensifies in the South China Sea, especially around the Second Thomas Shoal, where tensions arise between the Philippines and China, overshadowing Taiwan's concerns.
Formation of the Squad and Indonesia's Role
A coalition called the Squad, including the US, Australia, Japan, and the Philippines, aims to address South China Sea tensions. Additionally, India, although not part of the Squad, plays a vital role by deploying its navy to the region. Indonesia's stance remains essential, with efforts to maintain neutrality amidst territorial disputes.
China's Influence in Indonesian Nickel Industry
China dominates around 90% of Indonesia's nickel industry, impacting Jakarta-Beijing relations. The industry's deep Chinese involvement raises environmental and societal challenges, prompting local governments' needs for technical assistance in navigating Chinese agreements. Rising concerns focus on China's aggression in exploiting nickel resources and its repercussions.
Indonesia's Dilemma on Defending Sovereignty vs. Economic Ties
Indonesia faces a dilemma in balancing territorial defense versus economic reliance on China amid South China Sea tensions. While Indonesia upholds neutrality in conflicts, escalating Chinese activities near its waters pose challenges. People's expectations push for a more active Indonesian stance in protecting sovereignty while maintaining economic partnerships.
Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto will take office later this year at a critical time when regional tensions over territorial disputes in the South China Sea are surging.
And this won't be just a foreign policy challenge for the new president. Chinese ships have crossed into Indonesia's exclusive economic zone near the Nantuna Islands at the bottom tip of Beijing's controversial ten-dash line.
Managing the escalating crisis in the South China Sea is going to be a "pivotal" challenge for Prabowo, according to Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat, director of the China-Indonesia desk at the Center of Economic and Law Studies. Zulfikar joins Eric from Jakarta to discuss how he thinks Prabowo is going to handle what's becoming a very volatile situation.
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