Indonesia Sends Strong Signal on South China Sea, Sugiono Reveals Key Points
Indonesia sent a firm signal regarding the resolution of disputes in the South China Sea during the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Foreign Minister Sugiono stressed that Indonesia is pushing for the completion of a South China Sea Code of Conduct (COC) that is effective, substantive, and in accordance with international law before the end of this year.
"We have waited 24 years for rules at sea. They should not have to wait another year," Sugiono said in Pasay City, the Philippines, on Tuesday (21/7/2026). He emphasised that Indonesia is committed to finalising a COC that is "effective and substantive" based on the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). "A region governed by law will always be stronger than a region governed by force," he stated.
According to Sugiono, the completion of the COC is not merely about chasing a deadline but is an important foundation for regional stability. Indonesia believes that peace in the South China Sea must be built through respect for international law, not based on the use of force.
On the occasion, Sugiono also stressed that maintaining regional peace must be accompanied by the protection of ASEAN citizens. Drawing lessons from various international conflicts, Indonesia proposed the establishment of an ASEAN Consular Affairs Heads of Division Forum as a follow-up to the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on the crisis in the Middle East. "When conflict erupts far from home, it is often our citizens abroad who bear the direct impact," Sugiono said. He added, "For a citizen trapped in a war zone, ASEAN is not judged by its summits or statements. ASEAN is judged by whether help arrives."
Indonesia also welcomed the establishment of the ASEAN Coast Guard Forum, an initiative first proposed by Jakarta in 2022. According to Sugiono, coast guards are the front line in maintaining security in the ASEAN maritime region. "Coast guards are our front line at sea. For a maritime region like ours, protection begins in our own waters," he said.
Furthermore, Sugiono assessed that ASEAN must continue to maintain its approach of dialogue and cooperation amid increasing pressure on the global multilateralism system. He believes this spirit must be realised in ASEAN’s relations with its dialogue partners through cooperation that addresses real needs, ranging from crisis management, food security, and energy security to strengthening supply chains.