Indonesia in the Face of Great Power Competition

The escalating great power competition between the United States and China in the South China Sea has triggered tensions and potential conflicts in the region. This situation presents significant challenges for inferior power countries, such as Indonesia, in protecting their national interests. Although Indonesia is not officially a claimant in the disputes, the overlapping claims between Indonesia's Exclusive Economic Zone around the Natuna Islands and China's "nine-dash line" have placed Indonesia in a precarious position. This paper refutes Richard Betts' argument that strategy is merely an illusion by demonstrating the importance of a clear and adaptive strategy for inferior states in navigating the complex regional geopolitical dynamics. By employing Yarger's Theory, this paper analyzes Indonesia's national security objectives in maintaining regional stability and peace, as well as the balance between ends, ways, and means in formulating an effective strategy. Furthermore, the concept of combination defense by Callard and Faber is utilized to illustrate a comprehensive approach that integrates military, non-military, and supra-military elements. Through qualitative analysis and literature review, this paper aims to highlight the significance of Indonesia's national maritime strategy in aligning security, economic, and diplomatic aspects to optimize resources for safeguarding its national interests in the South China Sea.