The Natunas: Territorial Integrity in the Forefront of Indonesia–China Relations

Abstract

This article seeks to discuss the origins and evolution of the Natuna Islands issue within the context of Indonesia’s foreign policy, and in particular, its relations with China. It is argued that while the Natuna issue will continue to crop up from time to time and in the process elicit a variety of reactions and responses from Jakarta and Beijing, it is unlikely to bring about an outright naval confrontation between Indonesia and China in the short to medium term, not least because the governing elites of both countries appreciate the value of deepening bilateral economic engagement.