Japan's Increasing Security Cooperation with Indonesia, 2013-2022
Abstract
Since Shinzo Abe took the position of prime minister in 2012, Japan has significantly increased its involvement with Indonesia across multiple domains of security cooperation, including collaborative military exercises and regional security dialogues. This thesis examines the strengthening of Japan's maritime security cooperation with Indonesia from 2013 to 2022 under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. It finds that security ties expanded gradually through more advanced bilateral naval exercises, increased participation in multilateral drills, and extensive capacity-building assistance. The analysis shows this upgraded partnership aimed to promote regional stability, constrain China's influence, and safeguard Japan's sea lane security. The drivers were both internal policy shifts under Abe to normalize Japan's military posture and make "proactive contributions to peace," as well as intensifying external pressures from China's military assertiveness and Japan's economic dependence on regional shipping routes. Overall, the alignment of increased Japanese security doctrines with deteriorating security conditions in Southeast Asia propelled closer strategic cooperation. Effectively adapting this partnership will be vital to addressing the complex challenges ahead and realizing its potential for fostering maritime rules and stability.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1225515
Entities
People
- Marjudin Saputra
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School