Development and national security: Indonesia’s Natuna Island and the South China Sea issue

Abstract

This article analyses the demands and interests of the Natuna Regency of Indonesia and interprets the disputes in the South China Sea from the perspective of local factors. Based on an analysis of numerous documents and reports, as well as field research trips to Natuna and online interviews with local government leaders, members of nongovernmental organisations and businesspeople, the study concludes that the securitisation of Natuna Regency, with its rich resources and special strategic position, has attracted great attention. The local government has no authority over the waters around Natuna, and while it can share a small portion of the profits made from local resources, it cannot promote local economic development or protect the rights of fisheries. The local government can only promote the policies of the central government in economic development and cooperate with the military to ensure the safety of the surrounding waters and local fishing vessels. The local government continues to actively petition the central government to designate Natuna-Anambas a special province to gain more management rights. The development demands of resource-rich areas drive local leaders to seek cooperation with the military and the international community, increasing the uncertainty of the situation in the South China Sea.