Deterrence Effect in the Making: Indonesia’s Strategic Maritime Role in ASEAN

Rizki Marman Saputra; Gumilar Rusliwa Somantri; Athor Subroto

doi:10.15294/ildisea.v4i2.25028

Authors

Rizki Marman Saputra Universitas Indonesia Author
Gumilar Rusliwa Somantri Universitas Indonesia Author
Athor Subroto Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15294/ildisea.v4i2.25028

Keywords:

Indonesia's Maritime Influence, Deterrence Effect, ASEAN Strategic Environment, South China Sea, Regional Security.

Abstract

: Indonesia's maritime influence plays a vital role in shaping security stability in Southeast Asia, particularly in the strategically significant waters of the Malacca Strait. This article explores Indonesia’s contribution to regional deterrence by addressing three core research questions: (1) In what ways does the Indonesian Navy’s capability impact its deterrence posture in the Malacca Strait? (2) What constraints hinder Indonesia from establishing a credible deterrence effect within the ASEAN security framework? (3) How can Indonesia’s strategic location and regional diplomatic efforts be leveraged to enhance maritime security in Southeast Asia? Utilizing a qualitative methodology that combines expert interviews and document analysis, the study reveals that Indonesia’s deterrence posture is limited by underdeveloped defense modernization, constrained budget allocations, and inconsistent policy execution. Despite these limitations, Indonesia’s geopolitical positioning and active involvement in ASEAN’s multilateral security initiatives highlight its potential to act as a regional stabilizer. The article concludes that advancing naval capabilities, fostering interoperability with regional actors, and sustaining proactive maritime diplomacy are crucial for Indonesia to realize a robust deterrence effect in the Malacca Strait and beyond.

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