THE ROLES OF INDONESIAN GOVERNMENT IN MAINTAINING ITS SOVEREIGNTY IN NATUNA ISLANDS FROM THREAT BY CHINA DURING PRESIDENT JOKO WIDODO PERIOD (2014-2016)

Abstract

Indonesia is an archipelago country with 17,000 islands which means Indonesia has sovereignty over the island and its surrounding waters. But there are still many small islands, especially in the outer part islands that lack of the government attention. While the island is a determinant of Indonesia boundary, such as one of them is the Natuna Islands. No wonder the Natuna islands are prone to conflict. In maintaining Indonesia's territorial integrity, the Indonesian government realizes the important role of the government to build defense in the Natuna islands. Looking at the geographical condition of the Natuna Islands where the waters are wider than the land, the Indonesian government prioritizes development in the marine sector. Such as the use of maritime resources, setting up military bases, and building marine tourism. In 2014, the Indonesian government makes marine policy which produces 7 pillars as a top priority for managing Indonesian waters. This thesis aims to explain the role of government in maintaining sovereignty in the Natuna islands in accordance with 7 pillars of maritime policy. The writing process of this thesis is done by qualitative method to analyzing the case. The authors expect this thesis able to provide information to the reader related conditions in the Natuna islands and as the role of government against this case.