THE POTENTIAL ROLE OF CUSTOMS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF MARINE SECURITY IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA CONFLICT

Abstract

This paper aims to provide an insight into the role that Customs can play concerning the possible conflicts in the South China Sea. The South China Sea (SCS) area is one of the places that has recently heated up with many countries fighting over claims. The conflict heats up when the two giant countries, namely China and the United States, take part in the conflict in this region and result in an increasingly heated tension. Indonesia, as one of the countries having interests in the South China Sea, where the Indonesian EEZ region is located, should be vigilant and prepare itself. Therefore, every component of Indonesia's national defence and security forces must be ready to avoid the worst possibility. One of the elements in maintaining sovereignty in the sea area is Customs. So that with the power and authority possessed by Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DGCE), it has the potential to become a reserve power and support Indonesia's maritime security. This paper is a presentation from a literature review process. This paper suggests the potential role of Customs concerning maritime security in the South China Sea region.