Indonesia, because the world’s largest archipelagic country, has considerable potential to turn out to be a Global Maritime Axis. Historically, Indonesia’s maritime glory began with the Buddhist thalassocratic empire of Srivijaya under King Balaputradewa and continued within the Majapahit Empire under King Hayam Wuruk and Mahapatih Gajah Mada.
This historical narrative and understanding must be the catalyst for Indonesia to actually reclaim its maritime glory. Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago, stretches from Sabang to Merauke for 1,950,000 kilometers, with over 17,000 islands, a coastline of 95,181 kilometers and a sea area of 3,554,743.9 square kilometers, as reported within the book “Indo-Pacific: A Geopolitical Construction” by Abhiram Singh Yadav.
To realize Indonesia as a Global Maritime Axis, several strategies are vital. These include strengthening environmental awareness of the marine environment, promoting understanding of the Nusantara insight and the Djuanda Declaration of 1957. In addition, the federal government has a solid foundation to make Indonesia a Global Maritime Axis by 2025. Quoting again from the book “Indo-Pacific: A Geopolitical Construction” by Abhiram Singh Yadav, there are 4 fundamental pillars:
- Historical value related to the maritime golden age through the period of the Buddhist thalassocratic empire of Srivijaya and the Majapahit Empire.
- Having the longest coastline on the planet, roughly 95,181 kilometers long, with a complete sea area of 3,554,743.9 square kilometers.
- Spread of 1000’s of islands from Sabang (western a part of Indonesia) to Merauke (eastern a part of Indonesia), from Miangas (northern a part of Indonesia) to Rote Island (southern a part of Indonesia).
- Indonesia’s marine natural resources are unmatched in other countries.
Reflecting on Indonesia’s foreign policy ideology, Independent and Active Foreign Policy, Indonesia can turn out to be the Global Maritime Axis, advocating freedom of navigation based on Independent and Active Foreign Policy. In addition, because the country with the biggest geographical area in ASEAN, Indonesia plays a key role in leadership and the flexibility to administer good relations and propose ideas considered by the superpowers as a balancing axis.
Indonesia’s vision as a Global Maritime Axis is supported by President Joko Widodo through Presidential Regulation No. 16 of 2019 on Indonesia’s Maritime Policy dated 20 February 2017. This Presidential Regulation provides guidance to the Indonesian people, particularly in maritime activities that fully take part in maintaining global security and peace and advocating for national interests.
Reference:
Yadav, A. S. (2022). Indo-Pacific: A Geopolitical Construct.PT Elex Media Komputindo.
