1.0 INTRODUCTION Spratly island or GugusanSemarang Peninjau (GSP) are an islands of 750 reef (Shoal), Palil (Islet),atoll, coral islands located in the South China Sea. The islands are located inthe waters of the Philippines and Malaysia (Sabah). It contains less than 4square kilometers of land area in an area of more than 425,000 squarekilometers.
The Spratly Islands are one of the three islands in Southeast Asiathat have more than 30,000 islands and reefs. Thus, it has caused manydifficulties in administering the economy and the economy in the area. About 45 islands are occupiedby relatively small numbers of troops from Vietnam, the People’s Republic ofChina, the Republic of China (Taiwan), Malaysia and the Philippines.
Bruneialso demands the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the southeastern part whichencompasses only one small archipelago above the mean high water (in the SmallWest Semarang Reef). The islands are the cause of the latest dispute betweenthe neighboring countries. The island is said to be on a continental shelfcontaining petroleum and natural gas. 1.1 Aims The purpose of the essaywriting entitled Enhancement Future Maritime Capabilities in Gugusan SemarangPeninjau (GSP) is to discuss issues relating to Maritime and Geophysical Safetyat Southern China Sea. 1.2 EarlyHistory of Spratly Island The Spratly Islands arebelieved to have originated from the formation of active volcanoes under thesea.
The islands themselves have almost no land (used for agriculture), nonative inhabitants, although there are 20 islands classified as large islands,only Taiping Island is actually suitable for human life, as its fertile soilstructure is overgrown with large trees. Other islands are seen only as amaritime military hub, and small resorts like the Layang-Layang Islandregulated by Malaysian. Among the major sources of Spratly Islands includeseafood sources such as fish and shrimp, guano, petroleum and natural gascontent believed to be full. Economic activities such as commercial fisheries,shipping, and tourism are among the many activities being undertaken there.
Petroleum and natural gas basins measured large enough still untapped. There isno accurate estimate of oil and natural gas deposits available to the public. Commercial exploitation activities on hydrocarbon sourcesare still being built in the area but political resistance has resulted instunted efforts and had to be postponed by related countries. Estimated valueof hydrocarbon deposits in the Spratly Islands is believed to be worth 26.3trillion dollars in 2012.
But until now, the Spratly Islands have at least 3major fishing ports, some docks and jetty, at least 3 helipad and at least 4full platforms and 6-8 mini airports (Short Take Off and Landing AirportsSTOL). This island is quite strategic because it is located amidst internationaltrade routes for waterways connecting the east and west. 2.0 INFLUENCEAND CONFLICTS IN SPRATLY ISLANDS After the outbreak of militaryconflict between China and Vietnam in January 1974 in the Paracels Cluster,China explicitly demanded the entire South China Sea as waters under itssubordination and control. Further than that, Vietnam insists on maintainingthe Paracels Cluster with the reason that the clan has been centrally under itssovereignty. The conflict has directly opened the eyes of other countriesbordering the South China Sea to make claims and placement in the reefsincluding Malaysia.
The South China Sea is a link between the Pacific Oceanin the east and the Indian Ocean in the west. The beauty of the sea floor whichis recognized among the 10 most beautiful in the world is also among thefactors in this waters to become a fight. This is clear with the placement madeby the Philippine at the Admiral Reef that is located only 26 nautical miles ofthe Penginjau Reef and the Vietnam settlement on the Reef Boat which is locatedonly 35 nautical miles northwest of the Reef of the Reef. Other nearby reefsare Amboyna Island and the Vietnamese occupied Cornwallis Reef. 2.
1 MalaysianGovernment Standings Following the declaration of the Exclusive Economic Zoneof Malaysia (ZEE) on 20 Sep 79, the cabinet has instructed the study to set upmonuments and settlements at several coral reefs within the ZEE Malaysia tostrengthen Malaysia’s demands in the Spratly waters. Through the decision anddirection of the cabinet, detailed studies have been conducted by the ArmyEngineer Regiment who find that only part of the reef is within the ZEE areathat is suitable for erecting the monument as a marker and placement. Among them is the Terumbu Layang-Layang (LIMA TLDMStation) which is now known as Layang-Layang Island. The construction of themonument began on 21 June 1980, while the Navy’s Special Forces Plans (PASKAL)of TLDM in May 1983. At the beginning of the establishment of the RMN at theLayang-Layang Reef in 1989, the government had decided that the reefs should bedeveloped as a tourist center in line with the work – development work on theplacement of RMN. The LIMA RMN station built on Layang-Layang Island islocated about 156 nautical miles northwest of Kota Kinabalu. It is built withthe coral reefs.
In May 1983, there were no infrastructure there and the firstbatch of 11 PASKAL members landed and occupied the Layang-Layang Reef (TLL) ona regular basis. Two new buildings for the placement of RMN members were builtin 1995 after the reefs were fully embedded with sand and concrete. In 1995 theLIMA RMN station was officiated by the Prime Minister, YAB Dato ‘Seri DrMahathir bin Mohamed. In addition to the island, the RMN also occupied the TerumbuUbi (Uniform Station), the Terumbu Mantanani (Mike Station), the Terumbu Siput(Sierra Station) and the Terumbu Peninjau (Papa Station) which puts the PASKAL.All these stations are known as Offshore Station under the Administration ofthe Sea Territory 2. 2.2 PragmaticCooperation and Comprehensive Effort for Guaranteed Regional Maritime Safety On July 20, 2012, ASEANcountries and senior officials of China have held meetings in conjunction withthe annual meeting in Bali, Indonesia. During the meeting, an agreement on theimplementation of the Declaration of Action of the Multilateral Laut ChinaSelatan (LCS) was reached.
According to the Chinese Ambassador to ASEAN, TongXiaoling, the achievement of the agreement gave a great deal of meaning tosafeguarding peace in the LCS area as well as encouraging pragmatic cooperationbetween all parties involved. The achievement of these guidelines is asynergistic result of the combined efforts of China and ASEAN countries. It isa proactive step to resolve disputes in LCS and deliver a positive signal tothe world. The guidelines document does not involve exploration ofpetroleum and natural gas sources in overlapping claims areas.
The document isbelieved to help promote cooperation in the LCS and thus bring great hope tosettlement and peaceful disputes. China has always been open in this regarddespite the proposals of several countries to sign the Code of Conduct at theLCS and described that the code of conduct is still immature. While there isstill a dispute between China and several Asean countries on the establishmentof border areas and the rights to ownership of several islands in the regionand waters of the LCS, the parties involved must strive to safeguard the stabilityand security of the LCS and enhance mutual trust to each other. The best approach is to have negotiations betweencountries that have interest in the LCS to resolve any dispute. In order tosafeguard maritime security and voyage at the LCS, China is willing tocooperate with all countries involved and must always be vigilant towards theintentions of several countries that seek to exploit the LCS issue in order tofurther enhance relations between China and ASEAN countries. On June 5, 2011, Defense Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad ZahidHamidi Ahmad Zahid spoke at the 10th International Institute of StrategicStudies (IISS) Asia Summit, Shangri-La Dialog stated that Comprehensive effortsare needed to ensure maritime security in Southeast Asia and outside the LCSarea.
The overlapping claims issue is seen as a complex issue as disputes anddisputes over the matter should not go beyond diplomatic dimensions. He saidbilateral and multilateral regional cooperation as well as with the involvementof other nations has increased maritime trade and security capabilities in theregion. He also pointed out that LCS is a region rich in natural resources andon top of that, some ASEAN countries are working diligently and collectivelycollecting information to make claims against several areas in the LCS.
Based on the above description, the issue of overlappingclaims can be settled safely and fairly if the understanding and cooperationbetween the claiming States in the LCS region area always hold peace talks fromtime to time using a more intellectual approach. 3.0 FUTUREATTENTIONS Based on the facts, referencesand studies that have been made through this essay, the author wishes topropose some of the feasible things regarding Maritime Safety and geopoliticsat LCS. The proposals are as follows: a. FuturePlanning – Malaysia as one of the most successful countries in the LCSregion needs to outline and set objectives that need to be attained for thecoming period and to create strategic action plans to achieve these objectives.Malaysian leaders should develop objectives that are in line with the currentsituation and relevant government agencies should act and support theobjectives that have been developed. b.
The National Capacity Building Process – In today’s world-basedtechnology, Malaysia needs to use its full advantage as a developed nation by2020. This process is not only focused on the aspect of maritime defense butalso in all aspects, especially in terms of economic development. c. GeneratingIntensive Efforts – Intensive efforts need to be implementedcontinuously so that Malaysia achieves the goals and directions that have beenset. Effective strategies need to be structured in order to defend the dignityand sovereignty of the country without involving prolonged conflict or tension. d. DecideRationally – In making any decisions on issues involving maritime andgeopolitical security in Malaysia, any decision has to be made in a non-risksituation under certainty. Alternatives, information, studies and relatedsolutions in LCS should be generated, collected and reviewed in more detail asearly preparation if any claims are made diplomatic internationally to avoidany loss to the country’s economy.
4.0 CONCLUSION The GSP is a semi-enclosed seaarea due to the overlapping claims of maritime areas and disputes over severalmaritime geographical entities involving six ASEAN countries such as thePhilippines, Vietnam, China, Taiwan and Malaysia. Conflicts in LCS have becomean issue and commonplace among bordering countries.
Conflicts and uncertaintieswill continue to exist if unity among the affected countries is set aside.Unity can not only maintain peace but also reduce the level of disputes andconflicts that occur. However, at the same time emerged major powers who wantedto intervene in matters related to Maritime Security and overlapping demandslike the US, Japan, South Korea and India.
In the meantime, the US has showninterest in interference in this regard when US Secretary of State HillaryClinton made a press statement during his visit to Bali, Indonesia on July 22,2011. Thus, UNCLOS 1982 was used as a reference to clarify the procedure claimson territories or territories as well as good maritime resource managementprocedures for avoiding any tensions and disputes that occur and can beimplemented fairly. The rise of China as an economic power and world powercan change geopolitics and geostrategics, especially for the Asian and worldregions. Malaysia as one of the countries claiming and having an interest inGSP should take the view of the issue of overlapping claims on Pulau Batu Putihand has fallen into Singapore hands. Malaysia needs to work together andpromote themselves in relevant matters to seek and gain greater influence andthus be seen as a great nation in the eyes of the world.
