Indonesia’s strategic investment in the candidacies of legal experts to the International Law Commission (ILC) and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) represents a calculated move to increase its influence within key global governance institutions. The diplomatic reception held in Jakarta on September 4, 2025, highlighted a deliberate effort to reshape Indonesia’s role in shaping international law, particularly concerning maritime disputes and broader legal frameworks. The event, focused on “Strengthening International Law as the Foundation of Global Governance,” underscored Jakarta’s ambition to be a more active participant in the formulation of rules governing the world’s oceans and legal disputes. This action falls squarely within the context of a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, where nations are increasingly vying for leverage in international institutions. (Keywords: Indonesia, International Law, ITLOS, ILC, Maritime Law, Global Governance, Diplomacy, Southeast Asia)
The Indonesian government’s pursuit of these appointments—specifically, Professor Hikmahanto Juwana for the ILC and Professor Eddy Pratomo for ITLOS—aligns with the country’s strategic priorities as the world’s largest archipelagic nation. Indonesia’s vast maritime territory, encompassing thousands of islands and overlapping Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), necessitates a robust understanding and effective navigation of international maritime law. This isn’t solely about securing territorial claims; it’s about influencing the very definition of rights and responsibilities in the world’s oceans. The current geopolitical environment, marked by rising tensions in the South China Sea and increasing disputes over resources, provides a crucial context.
Historically, Indonesia’s engagement with international legal bodies has been evolving. Prior appointments, including those of Professor Mochtar Kusumaatmadja and Ambassador Nugroho Wisnumurti as ILC members, demonstrated a gradual shift towards greater participation. However, securing positions on ITLOS, a body tasked with resolving disputes relating to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), represents a significant escalation. The upcoming election for the 2026-2035 term, scheduled to take place at the United Nations General Assembly in June 2026, will determine if this strategy gains momentum. Seven new judges will be chosen to replace departing members. The ILC election in November 2027, selecting members for 2028-2032, further solidifies Indonesia’s long-term commitment.
“Indonesia’s strategic approach reflects a recognition of the critical role international legal frameworks play in maintaining stability and resolving disputes peacefully,” stated Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arif Havas Oegroseno, during the Jakarta reception. “Our participation aims to contribute to the development and enforcement of international maritime law, aligning with our national interests and the global commitment to upholding the rule of law.” This commitment is rooted in Indonesia’s constitutional mandate, as outlined in the 1945 Constitution, which explicitly calls for the maintenance of world order.
The ITLOS plays a vital role in interpreting and applying UNCLOS, a landmark treaty that has shaped maritime law for decades. Disputes concerning navigation rights, resource exploitation, and the delineation of maritime boundaries frequently end up before the Tribunal. Indonesia’s presence on ITLOS will provide a Southeast Asian perspective, addressing a longstanding geographic imbalance within the Tribunal’s composition. “Having a seat at ITLOS allows Indonesia to directly influence the interpretation of UNCLOS, which is central to our national interests,” explained Professor Hikmahanto Juwana, a leading Indonesian legal scholar specializing in maritime law, following the reception. “It’s about ensuring that the law reflects the realities of the region and contributes to a more just and equitable system.”
Data from the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI), a UN-mandated institution based in Malta, indicates that the number of cases before ITLOS has increased significantly in recent years, primarily driven by disputes over the South China Sea and Arctic seabed resources. This surge underscores the growing importance of the Tribunal as a forum for resolving complex maritime conflicts. The potential for additional cases involving Indonesia, given its extensive maritime territory and involvement in disputed areas, highlights the strategic value of securing a seat on ITLOS.
Short-Term Outlook (Next 6 Months): The upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September 2026 will be a critical juncture. Indonesia’s lobbying efforts, coupled with broader diplomatic initiatives, will determine whether it secures a majority of the votes needed to appoint Professor Pratomo as a judge. Successful appointment would not only enhance Indonesia’s legal capabilities but also strengthen its voice in shaping maritime law globally. However, competing interests from nations with overlapping maritime claims – China, Vietnam, and the Philippines, for example – will likely present a significant challenge.
Long-Term Outlook (5-10 Years): Over the next decade, Indonesia’s strategic investment in international legal institutions could yield substantial rewards. A consistent presence on the ILC and ITLOS will allow Indonesia to proactively shape future legal developments, particularly regarding climate change impacts on maritime environments, sustainable resource management, and the regulation of emerging technologies in the oceans. The potential for increased funding and technical assistance from these organizations would further bolster Indonesia’s capacity to contribute to global legal solutions. Furthermore, a strengthened Indonesian legal voice could influence the development of new international treaties and protocols related to maritime governance. “Ultimately,” predicts Dr. James Zwelling, Director of the Center for Maritime Security Studies at Georgetown University, “Indonesia’s strategic gambit is a reflection of a growing recognition among developing nations that traditional international institutions need to be more responsive to the realities of the 21st century, and that those nations with significant maritime interests must actively participate in shaping the rules of the game.” (Keywords: Strategic Investment, International Governance, Maritime Security, Southeast Asia, Climate Change, Resource Management).