The Strategic Posture of the Indonesian Navy in Responding to BRICS Maritime Geopolitics Across Indonesia’s Trouble Spot Waters

Mohamad Faikhul Himam; Andi Sulistiono; Ado Andika H; Achmad Faisol

doi:10.55927/ijis.v5i3.20

Authors

Mohamad Faikhul Himam Indonesian Naval Command and Staff College
Andi Sulistiono Indonesian Naval Command and Staff College
Ado Andika H Indonesian Naval Command and Staff College
Achmad Faisol Fleet Command I (Disminpers Koarmada I)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55927/ijis.v5i3.20

Keywords:

Maritime Security, BRICS, Indonesian Navy, Trouble Spots, Indo Pacific Strategy

Abstract

The strategic dynamics of Indonesia’s maritime security are increasingly shaped by three contested areas: the North Natuna Sea, the Ambalat block, and the waters surrounding West Papua. In parallel, the rise of BRICS as a multipolar maritime actor introduces new challenges and opportunities for Indonesia’s naval strategy. This study analyzes how the Indonesian Navy adapts its strategic posture to respond to BRICS-related maritime geopolitics in these trouble spots. Using a qualitative approach, it draws on official doctrinal documents, defence and maritime security policies, and relevant academic literature, analyzed thematically. The findings indicate evolving patterns of maritime pressure linked to BRICS actors, gaps between doctrinal aspirations and operational deployment, and the need for more agile and diplomatically integrated naval strategies. This research affirms that strengthening Indonesia’s maritime strategy in response to BRICS is crucial for protecting sovereign rights and securing sea lines of communication in an increasingly multipolar Indo-Pacific

References

Octavian, A., Asmara, R., & Hidayat, A. S. 2020. Means of Indonesian Maritime Defense Strategy in Sea Control on the Indonesian Strategic Straits to Support Total Defense and Security System, Jurnal Pertahanan: Media Informasi tentang Kajian & Strategi Pertahanan yang Mengedepankan Identity, Nasionalism & Integrity, ISSN: 2087-9415 (Print)· ISSN: 2549-9459 (Online) Terakreditasi SINTA 2 Vol. 6, No. 3, 2020, hlm. 341-362.

DOI: 10.33172/jp.v6i3.1130

Jaya, Belardo Prasetya Mega, Agus Prihartono Permana Sidiq, Mohamad Fasyehhudin, & Nuryati Solapari. 2023. Republic of Indonesia Sovereign Right in North Natuna Sea according to United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982. Australian Journal of Maritime & Ocean Affairs. ISSN: 1836-6503 (Print), ISSN: 2333-6498 (Online) Indexed Scopus (Q2 - Maritime Law/Ocean Policy) Vol. 15, No. 2, 2023, hlm. 123-140. DOI: 10.1080/18366503.2023.2195678

Triharyono, Edy, Yenglis Dongche Damanik, & Ghazalie Ghazalie. 2025. Implications of Indonesia's joining the BRICS on national defense and security strategy. Journal of Social, Humanity, and Education. ISSN: 2723-8103 (Print)· e-ISSN: 2745-3344 (Online) Terindeks DOAJ, CrossRef Vol. 5, No. 2, 17 Juni 2025, hlm. 145-166. DOI: 10.52690/jshe.v5i2.587

Suharyo, Okol Sri, 2022. Indonesia's maritime strategy for realizing the world’s axis facing China's maritime silk road policy, Global Journal of Engineering and Technology Advances. ISSN : 2582 790X (Online) DOI: 10.30574/gjeta.2022.12.3.0

Marliani, Marliani, 2024. Enhancing Maritime Security: Challenges and Strategies in Indonesia’s Natuna Sea, Journal of Maritime Policy Science, Vol. 1, No. 1, Mei 2024, e ISSN 3063 4245, p ISSN 3063 5705, Universitas Maritim Raja Ali Haji, URL: https://ojs.umrah.ac.id/index.php/jmps

Chapsos, I., James Malcolm, 2017. Maritime Security in Indonesia: Towards a Comprehensive Agenda?, Marine Policy, Vol. 76, 2017, ISSN 0308 597X, e ISSN 1872 9460, DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2016.11.012

Kallio, Hanna, Anna Maija Pietilä, Martin Johnson, Mari Kangasniemi, 2016. Systematic Methodological Review: Developing a Framework for a Qualitative Semi Structured Interview Guide, Journal of Advanced Nursing, Vol. 72, No. 12, 2016, ISSN 0309 2402 (Print) ISSN 1365 2648 (Online), DOI https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.13031

Milushev, Lychezar, Stoycho Panev, 2018. Hybrid Threats, Challenges and Possibilities for Building Institutional Capabilities, Information & Security: An International Journal, Vol. 41, 2018, ISSN 0861 5160 (Print) e ISSN 1314 2119, DOI https://doi.org/10.11610/isij.4102

Boy Yendra Pradana dan Syafrinaldi, “The Implication of Indonesia’s IUU Fishing Policy in Natuna Waters toward Maritime Geopolitics in the South China Sea,” Journal of Indonesian Legal Studies 3, no. 2 (2018): 205–224, DOI: 10.18196/jils.2018.0029

Yusgiantoro, P., & co authors. 2024. “Security Energy Nexus in Indonesia’s Border: The Case of Natuna.” International Journal of Energy Policy and Climate Change, 6(1): 45-62. DOI: 10.55897/ije.207

Vreÿ, Francois. 2017. “A Blue BRICS, Maritime Security, and the South Atlantic.” Contexto Internacional 39(2): 407-429. DOI: 10.1590/S0102-8529.2017390200006

Bay, Amimul Ummah. 2025. “Indonesia Sebagai Anggota Penuh BRICS+, Manfaat Strategisnya bagi Perkuatan Pertahanan Matra Laut Indonesia.” Jurnal Maritim Indonesia 13(1): 58-60. DOI: 10.52307/jmi.v13i1.173

Fitri Indra Pratiwi, Intan Puspitasari, Indah Hikmawati, dan Haryo Bagus, “Global Maritime Fulcrum: Indonesia’s Middle Power Strategy between Belt and Road Initiatives (BRI) and Free and Open Indo Pacific (FOIP),” Central European Journal of International and Security Studies (2021), DOI: 10.51870/CEJISS.A150302

Boy Yendra Pradana dan Syafrinaldi, “The Implication of Indonesia’s IUU Fishing Policy in Natuna Waters toward Maritime Geopolitics in the South China Sea,” Journal of Indonesian Legal Studies 3, no. 2 (2018): 205-224, DOI: 10.18196/jils.2018.0029

Indah Kusumadewi dan Ayu Adiastuti, “Intervensi Tiongkok Dalam Penegakan Hukum Illegal Fishing di Wilayah Zona Ekonomi Eksklusif Indonesia,” Brawijaya Law Journal 5, no. 2 (2018): 189–205, DOI: 10.21776/ub.blj.2018.005.02.04

F. Wenas Inkiriwang, “Enhancing Indonesia’s Multilateral Defence Diplomacy?,” Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs 40, no. 3 (2021): 346–368, DOI: 10.1177/18681034211008905

Shinta Paramasatya dan Wisnu Wardhana Poespojoedho, “Naval Diplomacy: Upaya Defensif Indonesia dalam Konflik Laut Tiongkok Selatan di Era Joko Widodo,” Jurnal Hubungan Internasional 12, no. 2 (2019): 145–162, DOI: 10.20473/jhi.v12i2.14027

Iwan Budiman, “Strengthening Maritime Domain Awareness in Indonesia: The Role of the Indonesian Navy,” Journal of Indonesian Social Sciences and Humanities 13, no. 1 (2023): 45–62, DOI: 10.14203/jissh.v13i1.8857

Lucky Wuwung, I. Kuswardani, dan T. Wiryawan, “Sustainable Ocean Development Policies in Indonesia: Balancing Economic Growth and Maritime Security,” Frontiers in Marine Science 11 (2024): 1401332, DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2024.1401332

Hasudungan J.R. Saragih, “Defense Management Concepts Improving Indonesian Defence Strategy in the 21st Century,” Jurnal Pertahanan 6, no. 3 (2016): 23-42, DOI: 10.33172/jpbh.v6i3.104

Rini Ambarwati, “National Defense Management and Regional Cooperation in Facing South China Sea Tensions: Indonesia’s Experience,” International Journal of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences 5, no. 4 (2025): 215-232, DOI: 10.55227/ijhess.v5i4.2007