MARITIME BORDER BETWEEN INDONESIA AND THE PHILIPPINES

Abstract

Indonesia is the largest archipelago in Asia and even in the world which has 17,508 islands. The scattered islands can be used as tourist attractions and can be used as natural resources, helping the country's economy. Speaking of international law, the enforcement of national boundaries has been regulated in UNCLOS 1982 signed by 182 participating countries including Indonesia. Indonesia has ratified the agreement with Law No.17 of 1985. Regarding the Philippines, relations between Indonesia and the Philippines with the provisions in UNCLOS 1982, related to the agreement on the exclusive economic zone of the two countries agreed in 2014 in its implementation have run into trouble. The problem is that Miangas Island is closer to the Philippines than Indonesia. The thing that is contested between Indonesia and the Philippines is Miangas Island. Miangas Island is one of the islands located in the outermost region of Indonesia and to reach Miangas Island itself takes a long time. The distance to reach Miangas Island is closer than the Philippines. There is a fact that on Miangas Island there is often illegal trade. Illegal goods that are often traded on Miangas Island with the Philippines are coca-cola, Pepsi, laundry soap, and others. In addition, fishing and other criminal acts such as oil theft often occur in the Indonesian Sea around Miangas Island. As a result of the theft, it caused significant state losses. Based on this experience, Indonesia must be more vigilant in dealing with the problem of Miangas Island. Considering the island of Miangas is outside the territory of Indonesia. In this case, Indonesia can establish a sea border post, which can then be followed by the development and provision of infrastructure, which in turn can prosper the population on Miangas Island. Thus Indonesia's sovereignty can be maintained and from the economic aspect will bring benefits and can improve the economy of the Indonesian people. Research methods in this case use normative research methods. The approaches used are legal approaches and historical approaches.