CGSC Talk: The Role of Indonesia and ASEAN in the South China Sea Dispute

The CGSC is delighted to welcome Sukawarsini Djelantik to deliver a talk on 'The Role of Indonesia and ASEAN in the South China Sea Dispute.'

Join us on Monday 31st March, 1pm in 12.38 (Social Sciences building).

Abstract

The source of conflict in the South China Sea (SCS) based on overlapping claims involving China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asian Countries. The waters which are rich in natural resources also have a strategic location as an important international trade route. Complexity of issues was due to external party interest and power competition. The discussion on conflicting parties’ position in the South China Sea and efforts of bilateral and multilateral diplomacy were discussed to demonstrate complexity of the issues. The question is: how was the role of ASEAN and Indonesia as “a bridge over troubled water” to resolve the problem? The ASEAN “consensus” requirement had hindered the organization's ability to find a solution to conflict. As member countries are divided into different interests, ASEAN needs to modify the mechanism through the “majority of votes” approach. Only then the organization would be able to manage the dispute and to find the best possible solution.

About the speaker

Dr Sukawarsini Djelantik is a Professor at the International Relations Department, Parahyangan Catholic University, in Bandung, Indonesia. She received a PhD in International Relations and Diplomacy from Flinders University in Australia. Her research interests are international communication, and traditional and non-traditional securities issues. Her recent book is The Dynamics and Challenge in the Indo Pacific Region (2023). In 2023 she obtained a fellowship from the East-West Center in Washington DC. She was the Head of the International Relations Program at Parahyangan University, and the Head of Parahyangan Centre for European studies until 2023.