Indonesia Stands Firm on Sovereignty Amidst South China Sea Deal with Beijing

Indonesia maintains its non-recognition of China's claims over the South China Sea despite signing a maritime development agreement with Beijing. Analysts caution that the deal might risk compromising Indonesia's sovereign rights, though Indonesia asserts that the agreement doesn't affect its jurisdiction in the North Natuna Sea.

Indonesia has reaffirmed its sovereignty and non-recognition of China's expansive claims over the South China Sea, even after sealing a significant maritime development agreement with Beijing on Monday.

The pact, announced during President Prabowo Subianto's visit to China, brought concerns from analysts who believe it could undermine Indonesia's sovereign rights. However, Indonesia's foreign ministry assured that its jurisdiction in the North Natuna Sea remains unaffected.

Despite the strategic importance and potential economic benefits, experts like Aristyo Rizka Darmawan and Klaus Heinrich Raditio warn that the joint deal might inadvertently validate overlapping claim areas, putting Indonesia's national interests at risk.

(With inputs from agencies.)