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View all search resultsIndonesia urged to take stance on South China Sea
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An illuminated globe shows the South China Sea at a museum in Pathumthani, Thailand, May 1. An international court in The Hague is expected to issue a ruling on July 12 in a case lodged by the Philippines challenging Chinese territorial claims. (AP/Charles Dharapak))
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cademics have urged the government to take a stance on the South China Sea dispute as an international tribunal is expected to announce its ruling on July 12 in a case brought by the Philippines to challenge Chinese territorial claims.
Manila brought the dispute to the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague in early 2013 for settlement. However, Beijing insists that the PCA has no jurisdiction over the issue and has boycotted the proceedings.
Melda Kamil Ariadno, a professor of international law from the University of Indonesia (UI), strongly urged the government to issue a statement supporting the PCA ruling, as it would consolidate Indonesia's respect for the rule of law.
She said such a move by Indonesia as the biggest country in the ASEAN would also provide impetus for countries in the region to confront China on its “utter disregard” for international law.
"If China rejects the PCA ruling and continues to exercise its might directly and indirectly over the region, this may result in regional instability. Things will turn sensitive and will likely prompt parties from outside the region to intervene," Melda warned.
China claims almost all of the energy-rich South China Sea, through which more than US$5 trillion worth of maritime trade passes each year. The Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam, Malaysia and Taiwan have overlapping claims. China insists all disputes should be resolved through bilateral talks.
The Philippines is contesting China's claim to an area shown on its maps as a nine-dash line stretching deep into the maritime heart of Southeast Asia, covering hundreds of disputed islands and reefs.
Ahead of the ruling, China has stepped up its rhetoric and is holding military drills in waters around the Paracel Island from July 5 to 11.
Jakarta insists that regional peace and security are necessary requirements for building an environment conducive to economic growth and development.
Another international law expert, Eka Sjarif, added that it was Indonesia's obligation to enforce compliance with any ruling made within the purview of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) by issuing a statement of support for the PCA ruling.
"The PCA tribunal is an UNCLOS resolution mechanism that binds all its signatories, whether the Philippines, China or Indonesia. This means that Indonesia and other states party to the convention are obliged to support all rulings under UNCLOS," Eka told The Jakarta Post. (Yoh)
