Indonesia plans to enhance its current defense partnerships and intensify its approach to strategic matters affecting its sovereignty, particularly in areas such as maritime security and the protection of sea routes and fisheries, as stated by its foreign minister on Friday.

Sugiono, who is known by a single name, emphasized that Indonesia will persist in advocating for the establishment of a code of conduct between ASEAN and China regarding the South China Sea, while also prioritizing the central role of ASEAN.

Indonesia views itself as neutral in the ongoing disputes over this vital maritime route for global trade, yet it has faced challenges due to incursions by China’s coast guard into its exclusive economic zone. China asserts its claim over nearly the entirety of the South China Sea, leading to tensions with Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, particularly concerning the activities of China’s extensive coast guard fleet within their EEZs. China maintains that its operations are lawful within its claimed territory.

“In terms of geostrategy, Indonesia is situated near a potential regional conflict zone, the South China Sea. Our stance is to prioritize peaceful conflict resolution,” Sugiono remarked, noting that Indonesia will continue to advocate for constructive discussions regarding the code of conduct.

Commitments to draft this code were initially made in 2002, but substantive negotiations only commenced in 2017, with limited progress achieved thus far. Much time has been spent on establishing a negotiation framework and signing various agreements to facilitate the process.

Key contentious points include whether the code will be legally binding, enforceable, and aligned with international maritime law, under which a 2016 international arbitration ruling determined that China’s extensive territorial claims lack legal foundation. China, however, does not acknowledge this ruling.

In a comprehensive address outlining Indonesia’s foreign policy, which was attended by members of the diplomatic community, Sugiono emphasized the nation’s commitment to finalizing negotiations on free trade agreements and enhancing its international trade relations, particularly with non-traditional partners in Africa and the Pacific.

He clarified that Indonesia’s membership in the BRICS coalition—comprising Russia, China, Brazil, India, Iran, Egypt, and South Africa—does not signify a shift in Indonesia’s international stance, but rather reinforces its principle of a free and active foreign policy. Additionally, he reiterated Indonesia’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, advocating for a ceasefire and accountability for Israel regarding its actions in the Gaza conflict.