How can Indonesia contribute the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command in order to equilibrate the balance of powers in the South China Sea?

Abstract

The South China Sea is an exciting theater where it is possible to meet different actors by seeking sovereignty and freedom of navigation, and some maritime challenger is presented there. China and the United States are the most important players in the region, but it can consider that Indonesia can develop a unique role in this operational environment. The reason that supports China’s claimant and the presence of the United States there are relevant as well as the importance to Indonesia, an enormous muslin country located in the southern border of the South China Sea. Being an archipelagic country, Indonesia has some concerns in this area, like Natuna Island, where fishing and oil can be to find there. Moreover, Indonesia’s economy is developing, and the nation desire to participate more in this scenario. The idea is to present how Indonesia can support the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and take the most desirable place in the South China Sea. Increasing the relation between both Armed Forces, it will be possible to keep the balance of powers stabilized, showing to China that the United States has a strong partnership with the most countries of the South China Sea. Other significant actor in this area is the Association of Southeast Asian Nations that can help both, Indonesia and the United States, to keep the environment without conflicts.