Pengaruh Deklarasi Djuanda terhadap Zona Ekonomi Eksklusif Indonesia

Indonesia, a nation with a rich maritime history, has always been at the forefront of asserting its sovereign rights over its vast archipelagic waters. One of the most significant milestones in this journey was the Deklarasi Djuanda (Djuanda Declaration) of 1957. This bold move by the then Prime Minister Djuanda Kartawidjaja not only redefined Indonesia's maritime boundaries but also had a profound impact on its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The Genesis of Deklarasi Djuanda

The Deklarasi Djuanda was a response to the pressing need for Indonesia to assert its sovereignty over its archipelagic waters. The declaration, made on December 13, 1957, proclaimed that all waters around, between, and connecting the islands of the Indonesian archipelago were internal waters of Indonesia. This was a significant departure from the traditional concept of territorial waters, which only extended a few nautical miles from the coast. The declaration was a bold assertion of Indonesia's sovereignty and was instrumental in shaping its maritime policy.

The Impact on Indonesia's Exclusive Economic Zone

The Deklarasi Djuanda had a profound impact on Indonesia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The EEZ is a sea zone over which a state has special rights regarding the exploration and use of marine resources. By declaring all the waters within its archipelago as internal waters, Indonesia effectively extended its EEZ to include these waters. This gave Indonesia exclusive rights to exploit the marine resources within this zone, boosting its economy and strengthening its maritime sovereignty.

The International Recognition and Legal Implications

The Deklarasi Djuanda was not immediately accepted by the international community. However, Indonesia's persistent diplomatic efforts eventually led to the recognition of its archipelagic principle in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This was a significant victory for Indonesia, as it legally cemented its sovereignty over its archipelagic waters and its extended EEZ. The recognition also set a precedent for other archipelagic states to assert their maritime rights.

The Current Scenario and Future Prospects

Today, the impact of the Deklarasi Djuanda on Indonesia's EEZ is more relevant than ever. With increasing global demand for marine resources, the importance of effectively managing and protecting the EEZ has grown. Indonesia, with its extended EEZ, has a unique opportunity to harness these resources for its economic development. However, it also faces challenges in terms of maritime security and environmental conservation. The future of Indonesia's EEZ will depend on how well it balances these competing demands.

In conclusion, the Deklarasi Djuanda was a watershed moment in Indonesia's maritime history. It not only redefined its maritime boundaries but also had a profound impact on its Exclusive Economic Zone. The declaration has given Indonesia exclusive rights over a vast marine area, opening up opportunities for economic development. However, it also presents challenges that need to be addressed to ensure sustainable and equitable use of these resources. As Indonesia navigates these waters, the legacy of the Deklarasi Djuanda continues to guide its course.