Part 9/16:
The wider Southeast Asian region is witnessing increased militarization, not only from Indonesia but also neighboring countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Clashes and confrontations, particularly around the Spratly Islands and Scarborough Shoal, have raised concerns over regional stability.
Furthermore, external powers such as China, the US, India, and Australia influence regional security. The US-China rivalry manifests via the South China Sea, with initiatives like AUKUS—a security partnership between Australia, the UK, and the US—raising fears of an arms race. For instance, the US’s sale of nuclear submarines to Australia and China’s assertive claims complicate regional diplomacy.