Japan’s Natuna port proposal highlights Indonesia’s balancing act on China
Por Laura Zhou — South China Morning Post – News feed
Advertisement South China Sea China Diplomacy Japan’s Natuna port proposal highlights Indonesia’s balancing act on China
Tokyo offers port upgrades to boost maritime security, but analysts say Jakarta is being pragmatic, not taking sides against Beijing
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Laura Zhou Published: 9:00am, 17 Sep 2026 Japan’s proposed port upgrades in Indonesia’s Natuna Islands reflect Tokyo’s push to bolster South China Sea security without building an overt military footprint. However, analysts stress that the move does not mean Jakarta is siding with Japan in its efforts to contain Beijing . Japan, which earlier this year eased its restrictions on lethal weapons exports , is ramping up security cooperation with Indonesia – a crucial bellwether for Southeast Asia.
The expanding partnership includes joint defence industry development, intelligence cooperation and expanded military exercises in strategic waterways.
Citing Japanese government sources, Kyodo News reported earlier this month that Tokyo was planning to use its official development assistance to help upgrade Indonesia’s fishing ports to allow patrol vessels to operate in more areas.
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