Australia Nuclear-Powered Submarines, Archipelagic Waters, and the New Capital City of Indonesia

Abstract

In this article, the writer tries to provide insight and an Indonesian perspective on the potential impact of the nuclear-powered submarine acquisition program as part of the AUKUS Agreement. In particular, its defense and security implications on the archipelagic water's status of Indonesia's seas and 'Nusantara' as Indonesia's new capital city. The writers argue that current Indonesian regulations and interpretations of its archipelagic waters and nuclear-powered submarines present a potentially heightened threat perception on the part of Indonesia concerning the potential movement of Australia’s future nuclear-powered submarines on the seas of the Indonesian archipelago and around Indonesia’s new capital city of ‘Nusantara’. Thus, it recommends enhanced confidence-building measures among senior officials of both countries to avoid misunderstanding between both countries. Specifically, as Australia’s nuclear-powered submarines program will become fully operational by early and mid-2030’s.