Indonesia, as the largest archipelagic country in the world, has significant potential to become the Global Maritime Axis. Historically, Indonesia's maritime glory began with the Buddhist thalassocratic empire of Srivijaya during the reign of King Balaputradewa and continued with the Majapahit Empire under King Hayam Wuruk and Mahapatih Gajah Mada.
This historical narrative and understanding should catalyze for Indonesia to revive its maritime glory truly. Indonesia, the world's largest archipelagic country, spans from Sabang to Merauke over a distance of 1,950,000 kilometers, with more than 17,000 islands, a coastline of 95,181 kilometers, and a sea area of 3,554,743.9 square kilometers, as cited from the book "Indo-Pacific: A Geopolitical Construction" by Abhiram Singh Yadav.
Several strategies are necessary to realize Indonesia as the Global Maritime Axis. These include strengthening maritime environmental awareness, promoting understanding of the Nusantara insight, and the 1957 Djuanda Declaration. Furthermore, the government has a substantial foundation to make Indonesia the Global Maritime Axis by 2025. Quoting again from the book "Indo-Pacific: A Geopolitical Construction" by Abhiram Singh Yadav, there are four main pillars:
- The historical value related to the maritime golden age during the Buddhist thalassocratic empire of Srivijaya and Majapahit Empire.
- Possession of the world's longest coastline, approximately 95,181 kilometers, with a total sea area of 3,554,743.9 square kilometers.
- The spread of thousands of islands from Sabang (Western part of Indonesia) to Merauke (Eastern part of Indonesia), from Miangas (Northern part of Indonesia) to Rote Island (Southern part of Indonesia).
- Indonesia's marine natural resources are unparalleled by other countries.
Reflecting on Indonesia's foreign policy ideology, the Independent and Active Foreign Policy, Indonesia can become the Global Maritime Axis by advocating for freedom of navigation based on the Independent and Active Foreign Policy. Additionally, as the country with the largest geographical area in ASEAN, Indonesia plays a crucial role in leadership and the ability to manage good relationships and propose ideas believed by superpowers to be a balancing axis.
The vision of Indonesia as the Global Maritime Axis is supported by President Joko Widodo through Presidential Regulation No. 16 of 2019 concerning Indonesia's Marine Policy on February 20, 2017. This Presidential Regulation serves as a guideline for the Indonesian nation, particularly in maritime activities that fully participate in maintaining world security and peace and advocating for national interests.
Reference:
Yadav, A. S. (2022). Indo-Pasifik: Sebuah Konstruksi Geopolitik. PT Elex Media Komputindo.
