Opinion

Vantage | How India, Indonesia are joining hands to counter China's aggression

Indonesia's commitment to deepening its cooperation with India must be seen within the context of its complex relationship with China

The Vantage Take Last Updated:October 26, 2023 17:15:31 IST

(File) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, left, talks with Indonesian President Joko Widodo during a tour of the Istiqlal Mosque, Southeast Asia's largest mosque, in Jakarta, Indonesia, on 30 May, 2018. AP

Indonesia, a key regional player in Southeast Asia, has become increasingly concerned about the growing influence of China and its assertive behaviour in the South China Sea. In response to these concerns, Indonesia has initiated a partnership with India to address shared challenges and strengthen their regional presence. The central element of this cooperation is the development of the Sabang Port, located near India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a move that holds significant implications for the balance of power in the region.

Sabang Port project

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Sabang Port, although an existing facility, is in need of substantial upgrades. India has expressed a keen interest in assisting Indonesia with this project and both countries have engaged in joint feasibility studies to assess the potential of the port. Sabang Port’s strategic significance lies in its proximity to the Malacca Strait, a narrow sea route between Indonesia and Malaysia, which is a vital chokepoint for China.

Importance of Malacca Strait

China heavily relies on the Malacca Strait as a primary conduit for its energy imports with over 70 per cent of the crude oil used in China being imported in 2021. The strait serves as the shortest sea route linking West and East Asia, making it indispensable to China’s energy supply. Consequently, the potential disruption of this vital route has been termed China’s “Malacca Dilemma”, and any interruption in its access to this passage could seriously compromise its energy security.

India’s strategic opportunity

By gaining access to the Sabang Port, India has the opportunity to exploit China’s vulnerability in the Malacca Strait. The development of this port would allow India to establish a strong presence in the region and potentially exert leverage over China’s energy supplies. While the details of the feasibility study remain undisclosed, Indonesian officials have previously suggested that the port could serve both civilian and military purposes accommodating commercial vessels and submarines.

Historical context

The cooperation between India and Indonesia to develop Sabang Port is not a recent development. Discussions about Indian investment in the port date back to 2018, although the plans did not come to fruition at that time. However, renewed momentum and fresh proposals are now driving the project forward. In addition to the Sabang Port, India and Indonesia are exploring the possibility of new trade routes, enhanced air connectivity and even a connection between Port Blair in the Andaman Islands and Aceh in western Indonesia.

Indonesia’s delicate balancing act

Indonesia’s commitment to deepening its cooperation with India must be seen within the context of its complex relationship with China. While Indonesia has welcomed significant investments from China, it also faces territorial disputes in the South China Sea, particularly concerning the Natuna Islands. These disputes have led to military encounters and increased tensions. To counter China’s maritime claims, Indonesia has bolstered its military presence and even encouraged local fishermen to challenge China’s assertions by fishing in the disputed waters.

India’s growing influence in ASEAN

In recent years, India has taken a more proactive role in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), comprising ten Southeast Asian nations. This shift is a marked departure from India’s earlier hesitance to engage in the region. India is actively pursuing deeper defense partnerships with ASEAN countries and supplying weapons to South East Asia with Indonesia being a notable recipient. This approach strengthens India’s influence in the region and augments its ability to shape regional dynamics.

Joko Widodo’s diplomatic challenge

Indonesian president Joko Widodo is navigating a diplomatic tightrope in his approach to China. Last month, he hosted Chinese president Xi Jinping during which China pledged over $21 billion in new investments. Earlier in the year, President Xi promised investments close to $45 billion underlining China’s financial influence. As Indonesia seeks to balance its economic interests with the territorial disputes in the South China Sea, President Widodo’s leadership faces increasing scrutiny. His decisions including the partnership with India demonstrate the complexity of maintaining a harmonious relationship with both China and regional allies.

Navigating a delicate diplomatic balance

The partnership between India and Indonesia with a focus on the development of Sabang Port underscores the evolving power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region. As both countries collaborate to address their shared concerns about China’s maritime ambitions, they are also contributing to the broader narrative of shifting alliances and strategic realignments in Southeast Asia. The development of Sabang Port with its potential to influence China’s energy security stands as a testament to the intricate web of strategic interests that continues to shape the region’s geopolitics. President Widodo’s diplomatic challenge highlights the complexities of managing Indonesia’s relations with both China and its regional allies as it seeks to secure its interests in the South China Sea.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.

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