ABSTRACT

According to current International Law, Indonesia has several boundaries, namely land; maritime, including the seabed area; and airspace. The protection of the space within the national boundaries for the safety and security of Indonesia, and of all the resources therein, either living or nonliving, is within the sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction of Indonesia. Equally, the security of shipping passing through (and of aviation) within the boundaries of the Archipelagic State of Indonesia, including in and through the archipelagic sea-lanes, is also within its sovereignty and jurisdiction, taking into account Indonesian national legislations, bilateral agreements, and the relevant International Laws. It is therefore essential to understand the nature of Indonesian national boundaries in order to appreciate the challenges it faces in managing its maritime resources and the security of shipping.