Japan proposes upgrading ports on Natuna Islands — South China Morning Post
Japan has proposed modernizing fishing ports on Indonesia’s Natuna Islands in the South China Sea, near the southern boundary of China’s “nine-dash line”. The initiative is part of expanded cooperation between Tokyo and Jakarta in fisheries and maritime security, South China Morning Post reports.
In 2017, Indonesia officially named the waters near the archipelago the North Natuna Sea. The area lies on an important shipping route and is significant for commercial fishing. In recent years, clashes have periodically occurred there between Chinese, Vietnamese and Indonesian fishing vessels, often accompanied by coast guard ships.
Dual use of ports
Chawula Rininta Anindya, a lecturer in international relations at the University of Indonesia, noted that the project is expected to strengthen maritime deterrence in response to “grey-zone” tactics that Jakarta faces in the North Natuna Sea. At the same time, she said, the plan is not limited solely to disputes in the South China Sea.
Anindya linked the initiative to Indonesia’s strategy for the defense of large islands. It envisages dual use of ports: for civilian vessels and, when necessary, for naval forces and the coast guard. Chen Xiangmiao, a researcher at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, said that developing the remote, resource-rich Natuna Islands has both economic and sovereignty significance for Jakarta.
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Cooperation between Tokyo and Jakarta
Heng Yi Kuang, a professor at the Graduate School of Public Policy at the University of Tokyo, said the modernization of fishing ports resulted from the Japanese-Indonesian summit in March. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi then emphasized cooperation in the fishing industry, particularly in light of problems of illegal fishing and smuggling in the South China Sea.
As part of its “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” strategy, Japan helps partners in Southeast Asia strengthen their capabilities and awareness of maritime threats. For Tokyo, the stability of shipping in the South China Sea is important because approximately 80% of Japan’s energy imports and a significant share of the country’s maritime trade pass through it.
In May, Japan and Indonesia signed a defense cooperation agreement covering military personnel training, interaction between defense industries, and a mechanism for comprehensive defense dialogues. The sides also agreed to explore cooperation in defense equipment and technology to strengthen maritime deterrence. Anindya stressed that Jakarta does not view military interaction with Tokyo as an alliance against China and seeks to adhere to its “free and active” foreign policy.
