RESPON INDONESIA MENGHADAPI ANCAMAN CHINA DI PERAIRAN NATUNA

Abstract

 This research analyzes “How Indonesia’s response to the threat of China in Natuna
waters during the reign of Joko Widodo and what are the factors that influence it?”. This research
uses a neorealist perspective by using rational choice theory and also several concepts like
security and threat. This research shows that the Jokowi Government’s Era policy towards Chinese
threats in Natuna waters is responded by increasing military capability and diplomacy. The
enhancement of military capability aims to protect Indonesia’s sovereign rights in ZEEI Natuna
waters from violations of foreign fishing vessels as well as Chinese claims based on nine dashed
lines that coincide with Natuna waters territory. Besides, the idea to make Indonesia a world
maritime axis shows that Indonesia must be active in protecting its fragile border areas due to
claims among several countries. As “the honest broker” in the South China Sea, Indonesia also
continues to promote diplomatic efforts aimed at maintaining its neutrality in the ownership
disputes of features at the South China Sea and encouraging all claimant states to resolve their
disputes in peaceful and non-violent ways.