Geostrategy of the World Maritime Axis Defense System
By: Prof. Dr. Drs. Ermaya Suradinata, S.H., M.H., M.S.
Editor: Dhania Puspa Purbasari
Indonesia, as the largest archipelago in the world, has a very important strategic position in the global arena. As the World Maritime Axis, Indonesia has always developed a comprehensive defense strategy to ensure its security and sovereignty. One crucial approach is a layered defense strategy that encompasses military power, cybersecurity and civil defense.
This approach allows Indonesia to deal with various types of threats more effectively. From here, military power becomes the main pillar in a layered defense strategy. As a maritime country, Indonesia must have a strong navy to guard its territorial waters.
Strengthening the naval fleet with advanced technology and increasing personnel capacity is a priority. In addition, the air and land forces must also be prepared to deal with potential threats from the air and land. Regular military exercises and increased cooperation with neighboring countries can improve TNI’s tactical and strategic capabilities in dealing with emergency situations.
Then cybersecurity becomes an important component in modern defense strategy. In this digital era, cyber threats can come from many directions and have a wide impact on national security. Indonesia must develop a robust cybersecurity system to protect critical infrastructure, including communications networks, banking systems, and military installations. Investment in cyber technology, personnel training, and inter-national cooperation in sharing cyber intelligence information are critical to preventing and dealing with cyber attacks.
Civil defense then plays an equally important role in a layered defense strategy. Civil defense involves the active participation of the community in efforts to maintain national security. Community education and training on disaster management, emergency evacuation and preventive measures can enhance national resilience. In addition, the government should build resilient infrastructure and early warning systems to reduce the risk and impact of natural disasters or attacks.
Thus, this layered defense approach does not only focus on military power, but also involves all components of the nation in efforts to maintain security and sovereignty. The synergy between military power, cyber security and civil defense will create a more solid and adaptive defense system against various types of threats. In a changing geopolitical context, Indonesia must continue to strengthen this strategy to face future challenges.
As the World Maritime Axis, Indonesia must also be able to effectively manage and protect its maritime territory. By implementing a comprehensive multi-layered defense strategy, Indonesia can ensure that any threats are dealt with appropriately and quickly. A reliable military force, a sophisticated cybersecurity system and a prepared society are key to maintaining national stability and security.
Maritime security, especially in shipping lanes such as the Strait of Malacca, is therefore also a top priority to ensure the smooth flow of trade and maintain territorial integrity. Therefore, improving the capabilities of the Navy and coast guard is crucial in addressing threats such as piracy and illegal fishing.
The world maritime axis defense system, for Indonesia, as a geostrategic concept refers to military and diplomatic strategies implemented to secure national interests. This means developing military cooperation and defense diplomacy with other countries in Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region.
Indonesia in ASEAN plays an important role in strengthening regio¬nal cooperation, while bilateral relations with major countries such as the United States, China and Australia help maintain the balance of power in the region. Modernization of defense equipment and upgrading of military personnel are also key elements in strengthening national defense capabilities.
The challenges faced by Indonesia come not only from outside, but also from within the country. The threat of terrorism and extremism, as well as tensions in the South China Sea, require a comprehensive and strategic approach. From here, Indonesia adopts a multi-layered defense strategy that includes military force, cyber security and civil defense.
Regional and international cooperation, joint military exercises, and the development of sophisticated defense infrastructure are integral to these efforts. By capitalizing on its strategic geographical position, strengthening military capabilities and enhancing international cooperation, Indonesia can more effectively safeguard national and regional sovereignty, security and stability.
Therefore, Indonesia is also focusing on several important aspects of its defense strategy. Maritime security is one of the top priorities, given the threats such as piracy, illegal fishing and smuggling that often occur in Indonesian waters. Therefore, enhancing the capabilities of the Navy, and the coast guard is necessary to maintain security and stability in these waters.
In addition, defense diplomacy plays a very important role. Military cooperation with other countries, especially in Southeast Asia and the Pacific, can strengthen Indonesia’s position against regional threats. At the same time, modernization of the main weaponry system (alutsista) is an important element in improving Indonesia’s defense capabilities.
By procuring advanced military technology and improving the capabilities of military personnel, Indonesia can more effectively counter conventional and non-conventional threats. Modern technology allows the Indonesian military to respond to various situations more quickly and accurately, and strengthen its strategic position in the region.
Tensions in the South China Sea are also a potential threat to regional security. Territorial claims by China that conflict with those of ASEAN countries, including Indonesia, pose a risk of conflict. Indonesia must maintain neutrality and sovereignty in the Natuna region adjacent to the disputed area.
By utilizing its strategic geographical position, improving military capabilities, and strengthening international cooperation, Indonesia can deal with various challenges and threats more effectively. Indonesia’s geographical position at the crossroads of two oceans and two continents provides strategic advantages in the dynamics of global trade and regional security.
Prof. Dr. Ermaya Suradinata, S.H., M.H., M.S. was the Governor of Lemhannas RI (2001-2005).
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