Implementasi Paham Negara Kepulauan dalam Menjaga Kedaulatan Wilayah Indonesia

The vast expanse of Indonesia, an archipelago nation comprised of over 17,000 islands, presents a unique challenge in safeguarding its territorial integrity. The concept of a maritime nation, known as the "Negara Kepulauan" (Archipelagic State), has become a cornerstone of Indonesia's approach to managing its vast maritime domain. This concept, enshrined in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), provides a framework for asserting sovereignty over its waters, seabed, and airspace, ensuring the protection of its national interests. This article delves into the implementation of the "Negara Kepulauan" concept in safeguarding Indonesia's territorial sovereignty, exploring its significance and the challenges it faces.

The Essence of "Negara Kepulauan"

The "Negara Kepulauan" concept recognizes Indonesia's unique geographical configuration, where islands and their surrounding waters are considered an integral unit. This concept grants Indonesia exclusive rights over its territorial sea, contiguous zone, exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and continental shelf. The territorial sea extends 12 nautical miles from the baseline, while the contiguous zone extends an additional 12 nautical miles, allowing Indonesia to enforce customs, fiscal, immigration, and sanitary laws. The EEZ extends 200 nautical miles from the baseline, granting Indonesia exclusive rights to explore and exploit natural resources within this zone. The continental shelf, which extends beyond the 200-nautical mile limit, allows Indonesia to explore and exploit the seabed and subsoil for mineral and other resources.

Safeguarding Sovereignty through Maritime Security

The "Negara Kepulauan" concept plays a crucial role in safeguarding Indonesia's sovereignty by providing a legal framework for asserting control over its vast maritime domain. This includes the deployment of maritime security forces, such as the Indonesian Navy and Coast Guard, to patrol its waters and deter illegal activities. These forces are tasked with combating piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling, and other threats to Indonesia's maritime security. The Indonesian government has also invested in modernizing its maritime surveillance capabilities, including the use of advanced radar systems, aerial patrols, and satellite imagery, to monitor its waters effectively.

Challenges in Implementing "Negara Kepulauan"

Despite the legal framework provided by the "Negara Kepulauan" concept, Indonesia faces several challenges in effectively implementing it. One major challenge is the vastness of its maritime domain, which makes it difficult to patrol and monitor effectively. The lack of adequate resources, including vessels, personnel, and technology, further exacerbates this challenge. Additionally, Indonesia faces challenges from neighboring countries, particularly in areas where maritime boundaries are disputed. These disputes can lead to tensions and conflicts, hindering Indonesia's efforts to assert its sovereignty.

The Role of International Cooperation

Recognizing the challenges it faces, Indonesia has actively engaged in international cooperation to strengthen its maritime security and enforce its "Negara Kepulauan" rights. This includes collaborating with neighboring countries to address shared maritime security concerns, such as combating piracy and illegal fishing. Indonesia has also participated in regional and international forums, such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United Nations, to advocate for the protection of its maritime interests and promote the implementation of UNCLOS.

Conclusion

The "Negara Kepulauan" concept is a vital tool for Indonesia in safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and managing its vast maritime domain. By asserting its rights under UNCLOS, Indonesia has established a legal framework for controlling its waters, seabed, and airspace. However, the implementation of this concept faces challenges, including the vastness of its maritime domain, resource constraints, and disputes with neighboring countries. Through international cooperation and continued efforts to strengthen its maritime security capabilities, Indonesia can effectively implement the "Negara Kepulauan" concept and ensure the protection of its national interests in the long term.