Claimants in SCS must comply with intl law – Indonesian envoy
By Nidz Godino
“Recent adoption of this concept shall form basis for peaceful regional order,” Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines Agus Widjojo said inclusivity, openness, freedom are “hallmarks” of Indo-Pacific, Southeast Asia should be kept as “free, neutral, and peaceful region. Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines Widjojo said as Jakarta called on all claimants in South China Sea (SCS) to comply with international law. Wisjojo made the call during webinar hosted by Philippine Council for Foreign Relations (PCFR). The SCS, believed to be rich in gas deposits and natural resources, is claimed in part by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam, and in whole by China.
Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam belong to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).
Widjojo pointed out that Asean “is synonymous” with principles of cooperation and dialogue, which are enshrined in Asean Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
The envoy said dispute in SCS “serves as another example on how national interest and overlapping claims can be managed to avoid looming open and armed conflicts.”
“So far interested parties in South China Sea somehow exercised much-needed restraint and prioritized dialogues such as series of workshops initiated by Indonesia since 1990,” he said.
This led to the completion of the so-called Code of Conduct in South China Sea, the ambassador said.
However, he said Indonesia pays close attention to the developments in the SCS, which may potentially lead to escalation of tensions.”
Indonesia called on all parties to comply with international law, particularly 1982 Unclos (United Nations Conduct on the Law of the Sea) and encouraged international community to support Asean’s effort in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Within framework of Asean, he said Indonesia encouraged full and effective implementation of Unclos and conclusion of the Code of Conduct (CoC), which is “substantive and consistent with international law.”
“Both Indonesia and the Philippines share the same understanding that building lasting peace in the region,” Widjojo said.
All claimants, he continued, should therefore respect international law, including Unclos 1982 to keep maintaining peace and stability in SCS.
“Indonesia also believes creating conducive environment in South China seas will benefit CoC negotiation process,” Widjojo said.
“In this regard, Indonesia supports need to maintain constructive relations with our claimant states, including to sort out misunderstandings and manage disagreements,” he added.
Widjojo raised the need to implement four priority areas of AOIP through concrete activities. “Doing so will ensure Asean centrality in providing common security, stability and prosperity.”
These areas include maritime connectivity, SDGs (sustainable development goals), and trade and investment.
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