Seminar Abstract

The Natuna region is a crucial maritime zone for Indonesia, given its vast marine resources and strategic location. The Indonesian government has undertaken several efforts to safeguard the region through new regulations and the enhancement of maritime security agencies capabilities. In 2022, the government ratified Presidential Regulation 41/2022 on the Zoning Plan for the Natuna-North Natuna Sea Interregional Zone, aimed at improving defence and security in Natuna as well as accelerating investment in the fishery and marine sectors. In November 2023, the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs launched a project to strengthen maritime security around the Natuna region, focusing on the navy (TNI AL), air force (TNI AU), and coast guard (BAKAMLA).

This seminar will address the following questions: What is Indonesia’s maritime strategy? What challenges is Indonesia facing in the Natuna region? What are the likely maritime defence and security development priorities for Indonesia over the next five years?

About the Speaker

Edna Caroline is the co-founder of Indonesia Strategic and Defence Studies (ISDS), a research group comprised of experts and journalists focused on Indonesia’s strategy and defence issues. Edna has more than two decades of experience as a defence and security journalist at Kompas – Indonesia’s largest circulating daily newspaper. As a co-founder of ISDS, she has collaborated with various institutions to conduct discussions and produce publications on defence and security issues in Indonesia. Edna holds a master’s degree in strategic studies from RSIS. Her research interests include geopolitical issues, maritime security, and Indonesia’s defence industries.