Jakarta, 14–16 October 2025

The Djuanda Centre for Maritime and Air Law Studies took part in the National Stakeholders’ Consultation on “Neutral States under the 1949 Geneva Conventions and Other Instruments: Legal, Practical, and Humanitarian Considerations in Armed Conflict at Sea,” held at the Sari Pacific Hotel, Jakarta.

The event was jointly organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs; and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Regional Delegation for Indonesia and Timor Leste. It brought together around 40 participants representing key government institutions, security agencies, and academic entities to explore the role and responsibilities of neutral states during potential large-scale armed conflicts at sea.

Representing the Djuanda Centre, Director Nur Gemilang Mahardhika attended and actively contributed to the discussions, particularly in connecting the theoretical dimensions of law of the sea and international humanitarian law with the practical realities of Indonesia’s archipelagic maritime setting. Her participation reflected the Centre’s ongoing commitment to advancing Indonesia’s maritime legal discourse and contributing academically to the formulation of humanitarian and security-oriented maritime policies.

Exploring Neutrality in Maritime Conflicts

The consultation highlighted how the evolving nature of naval warfare—driven by technological advancements and new military strategies—has prompted countries to revisit their obligations under international humanitarian law. For Indonesia, which lies at the crossroads of major global shipping lanes—the Malacca, Sunda, and Lombok Straits—the issue carries unique strategic and humanitarian relevance.

Building on previous expert discussions held between 2023 and 2025, the consultation forms part of the Global Initiative to Galvanise Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law (Global IHL Initiative), where Indonesia serves as co-chair of Workstream 7: Updating Naval Warfare alongside Egypt and the ICRC.

Key Highlights and Expert Insights

The event was commenced by Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs H.E. Arif Havas Oegroseno; Deputy II for Foreign Policy Coordination H.E. Mohammad Kurniadi Koba; and Mr. Martin de Boer, Head of the ICRC Regional Delegation for Indonesia and Timor-Leste.

The session also saw the launch of the Progress Report of the Global IHL Initiative, presented by Director-General for International Law and Treaties H.E. L. Amrih Jinangkung and ICRC Legal Adviser Tamalin Bolus, underscoring Indonesia’s pro-active role in shaping the future interpretation of IHL at sea.

Throughout the three-day meeting, participants examined intersections between IHL, the law of the sea (UNCLOS), and the law of neutrality — addressing themes such as:

1. Rights and duties of neutral states under the 1949 Geneva Conventions and San Remo Manual;
2. Protection of civilians, medical personnel, and shipwrecked persons during maritime hostilities;
3. Legal and operational implications of neutrality for non-belligerent states; and           
4. Safeguarding humanitarian operations and relief shipments in contested waters.

Contributions from distinguished experts, two of which serve in Djuanda Centre’s Advisory Board, including Rear Admiral (Ret.) Dr. Kresno Buntoro, Assoc. Prof. Adrianus Ramon (both member Group of Experts of the San Remo Manual Update Project), and ICRC legal advisers from Bangkok and Jakarta, provided deep insights bridging law, policy, and operational practice.

Interactive and Practical Learning

The consultation combined high-level legal discussions with hands-on group exercises, where participants worked through case studies involving humanitarian aid at sea, rescue operations, and treatment of shipwrecked or detained persons.

These sessions encouraged reflection on how Indonesia’s naval, maritime, and humanitarian institutions—such as TNI AL, Bakamla, and Basarnas—can strengthen inter-agency coordination in line with international humanitarian obligations.

Closing Reflections

On the final day, the discussions turned toward the role of impartial humanitarian actors, featuring insights from the ICRC and the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI), followed by an expert update on the ongoing revision of the San Remo Manual. Closing remarks were delivered by ICRC Head of Delegation Martin de Boer and Director-General Amrih Jinangkung, who reaffirmed Indonesia’s leadership in advancing humanitarian considerations in maritime security.

Strengthening Indonesia’s Maritime Humanitarian Agenda

For the Djuanda Centre, participation in this consultation was a reaffirmation of its dedication to integrating humanitarian law perspectives into Indonesia’s maritime governance and security policy. The event provided valuable space for dialogue between policymakers, practitioners, and academics—an intersection the Centre continues to nurture through its research, advocacy, and educational initiatives.

As maritime domains become increasingly complex, the Djuanda Centre remains committed to supporting Indonesia’s role as a thought leader in shaping humane, lawful, and cooperative maritime futures.