Kasus Ambalat: Mulai dari Kronologi, Penyelesaian, dan Cara TNI Menjaganya

Summary

The Ambalat Block dispute between Indonesia and Malaysia, which spanned 18 years, revolves around the contested maritime territory rich in oil and gas resources. It began in 1969 with both nations conducting surveys, leading to a 1969 boundary agreement. However, in 1979, Malaysia included Ambalat in its map, sparking protests from other nations. Tensions escalated, particularly in 2005, when Malaysia granted oil concessions. After years of negotiations, a historic agreement was reached in 2023, facilitated by Indonesian President Jokowi and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Despite the agreement, Indonesia maintains a strong military presence to safeguard the area.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Ambalat dispute between Indonesia and Malaysia began in 2005, stemming from conflicting claims over a maritime area rich in oil and gas reserves.
• 😀 The Ambalat region, located in the Sulawesi Sea, covers an area of 15,235 km² and is highly valuable due to its energy resources, with potential earnings reaching over 4,200 trillion IDR.
• 😀 The dispute traces back to 1969 when both countries conducted research on their continental shelf and exclusive economic zones, agreeing to a border treaty that year.
• 😀 In 1979, Malaysia controversially included Ambalat in its map, which led to protests from Indonesia and other neighboring countries like the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, China, and Vietnam.
• 😀 The conflict intensified when Malaysia granted oil concessions in Ambalat to Shell Oil in 2005, further escalating tensions between the two nations.
• 😀 Despite the ongoing dispute, both countries resumed negotiations in 2005, which eventually spanned nearly two decades, highlighting the complexity and sensitivity of the issue.
• 😀 In June 2023, Indonesia and Malaysia reached an agreement after 18 years of negotiations, marking a significant diplomatic breakthrough.
• 😀 The successful negotiation was attributed to the swift efforts of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, with support from both governments and their ministers.
• 😀 Following the settlement, Indonesia has taken measures to secure the Ambalat region, deploying advanced naval ships like the KRI Golok 688 and KRI Gusti Ngurah Rai 332 for border security operations.
• 😀 The Indonesian Navy also maintains a dedicated security task force, Satuan Tugas Pengamanan Ambalat, to monitor and safeguard the region, ensuring the protection of Indonesia's maritime sovereignty.

Q & A

What is the significance of Block Ambalat for Indonesia and Malaysia?

Block Ambalat is a maritime area covering 15,235 km² in the Sulawesi Sea or Makassar Strait, near the border between Malaysia and Indonesia's East Kalimantan. The block contains significant oil and gas reserves, which are estimated to provide economic benefits for the next 20 years, with profits potentially reaching over 4,200 trillion IDR.

How did the dispute over Block Ambalat begin?

The dispute over Block Ambalat started in 1969, when both Indonesia and Malaysia conducted surveys in the sea to determine the continental shelf and exclusive economic zones. In the same year, both countries signed a border agreement on the continental shelf, which was later ratified. However, in 1979, Malaysia included Block Ambalat in its territorial map, which led to objections from several countries, including Indonesia.

What role did Malaysia's actions in 1979 play in escalating the dispute?

In 1979, Malaysia's unilateral inclusion of Block Ambalat in its territorial map led to widespread objections from Indonesia and other countries, including the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, China, and Vietnam. This action was seen as a breach of the previously agreed boundaries and heightened tensions in the region.

What happened in 2005 regarding Block Ambalat?

In 2005, Malaysia awarded oil exploration concessions in Block Ambalat to Shell, a British-Dutch oil company. This move further escalated the dispute and led to the resumption of negotiations between Indonesia and Malaysia to resolve the matter.

How long did it take for Indonesia and Malaysia to reach an agreement on Block Ambalat?

The negotiations between Indonesia and Malaysia over Block Ambalat lasted for 18 years, from 2005 until 2023. The issue was finally resolved when both countries reached an agreement on maritime boundaries in June 2023, during President Jokowi's visit to Malaysia.

What role did Anwar Ibrahim play in the resolution of the dispute?

Anwar Ibrahim, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, played a crucial role in swiftly facilitating the resolution of the dispute. His leadership and cooperation with Indonesian officials, including President Jokowi, helped accelerate the completion of the maritime boundary negotiations.

What were the primary maritime boundaries discussed in the negotiations?

The negotiations focused on three main maritime boundaries: the continental shelf, territorial waters, and the exclusive economic zone. These boundaries were critical in determining the ownership and management of Block Ambalat.

How did Indonesia secure its interests during the negotiations?

Although the negotiations took a long time, Indonesia ensured its interests were protected through continuous diplomatic engagement. Indonesia also increased military presence in the region, deploying advanced naval assets to safeguard its territorial claims.

What military measures has Indonesia taken to protect its maritime borders?

Indonesia deployed several advanced naval assets to protect its borders, including the KRI Golok 688, a fast missile boat designed for hit-and-run operations. The Indonesian Navy also stationed other vessels such as KRI Gusti Ngurah Rai 332, a missile destroyer, in the Ambalat region. Additionally, the Indonesian Marine Corps continued to deploy forces for border surveillance.

What is the significance of the KRI Golok 688 in the context of this dispute?

The KRI Golok 688 is a domestically produced fast missile boat with high speed and stealth capabilities. Its primary role is to conduct hit-and-run operations, ensuring quick response and strategic positioning in areas like Ambalat, which are considered high-risk and sensitive due to the ongoing territorial dispute.