Indonesia's potential as a maritime power

Abstract

ABSTRACTIndonesia's geo-strategic position, its huge archipelagic disposition and its large population, which accounts for close to two-fifths of Southeast Asia's total population, can be said to possesses some natural characteristics needed for emerging as a maritime power. Maritime consciousness has always been possessed by Indonesia and many initiatives have been undertaken by the previous leaderships to cater to its maritime interests, but these initiatives have not been able to place Indonesia in the category of a maritime power. The current president has for the first time publicly promulgated his vision of making his country a maritime power. In this context, the study will aim to analyse Indonesia's potential as a maritime power by examining whether the measures undertaken by Jokowi and his predecessor, Yudhoyono, can help this vision in taking shape.