The dispute in this region began since Malaysia released the Malaysia map of 1979, which unilaterally expanded its marine regional requirements. On the map of Malaysia, it included the sea bottom area, approved by Indonesia as an ambalat block, although this region has long been considered part of the Indonesian exclusive economic zone.
At that time, the steps of Malaysia not only perceived strong protests from Indonesia, but also caused objections from a number of neighboring countries, including the Philippines, Singapore, China, Thailand and Vietnam, which considered the map an excessive form of territorial expansion.
One of the grounds of Malaysian claims is the provisions of the Convention on the Marine Law of 1958, which regulates the abolition of the ocean lines up to 12 miles. Nevertheless, neighboring countries appreciated that the steps of Malaysia exceeded the limits and did not receive international legitimacy.
Reporter: Alma Fihasari/Merdeck
