Traditional Knowledge and Origin of Maritime Territorialisation Idea in Indonesia

Abstract

This article examines how the idea of an archipelagic state in Indonesia has its roots in the nation’s traditional view of the unity of land (islands) and sea space. By using archival sources accessed in the Netherlands and Indonesia as well as newspapers and magazines published during the 19th century. Earlier studies on maritime territorialisation have predominantly focused on the legislative process of the law of the sea (UNCLOS) and the government’s challenges in gaining international recognition for its ‘archipelagic state’ status as well as territorial claim according to different views among the different ethnic groups regarding the ownership, control and use of the sea in their respective territories. This article argues that although maritime territorialisation is a modern maritime law, in Indonesia it has strong historical roots and it is coloured by traditional knowledge.