Together with four other panelists from China, Indonesia, United Kingdom and Singapore, he delivered his presentation at the panel session “Opportunities and Challenges in South China Sea Cooperation”. His topic was “The Convergence of Approaches Towards Cooperation in the South China Sea: An Indonesian Perspective”. He said that there are many different perspectives and perceptions used by countries involved in border disputes in the South China Sea. Some studies and research also seem to be a competition to make claims based on theoretical and legal bases, all of which have legitimacy. Therefore, it is necessary to converge the various approaches, but to emphasize peaceful means as a common goal and interest.

According to him, the most feasible way to peacefully resolve disputes in the South China Sea is to create an equilibrium. There must be a balance of interests for the countries involved, and the most ideal middle way to go is cooperation. Cooperation can target various sectors that are the cause of overlapping claims so far, provided that it is not hegemony and a “fait accompli”.

In principle, resolving disputes should be guided by Article 2 (3) of the UN Charter. Based on its national values, the preamble of the constitution, and several precedent-setting cases, Indonesia is one example that serves as a lesson in resolving border conflict issues with peaceful commitment. If all countries involved are committed to making peace a goal, commitment and common interest, then making the South China Sea a sea of cooperation is not a difficult thing to say.