State Conflict in Southeast Asia: An In-Depth Review

Southeast Asia is a strategic region rich in culture, natural resources and history. However, this region also faces various complex and often prolonged conflicts. This conflict can be categorized into several types, such as conflicts between countries, internal conflicts, and regional issues involving major powers.

1. South China Sea Conflict

One of the most significant conflicts in Southeast Asia is in the South China Sea. This region is a point of contention between several countries, including China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei. China claims almost the entire region along the nine-dash line, which ASEAN countries have strong historical and international legal rights to oppose. These tensions are often triggered by the exploitation of natural resources, including oil and gas and fisheries.

2. Tensions in Myanmar

Myanmar, a country with high ethnic diversity, is being hit by prolonged internal conflict. Since the military coup in 2021, the country has experienced severe political instability. Armed resistance by the opposition, including the National League for Democracy, created dramatic conditions and had a major humanitarian impact, with thousands of people displaced and widespread human rights violations.

3. Aceh and Papua conflict in Indonesia

In Indonesia, the conflicts in Aceh and Papua show different local dynamics. Aceh is fighting for greater autonomy after a prolonged armed conflict that ended with a peace agreement in 2005. Meanwhile, in Papua, the desire for independence from Indonesia continues to ferment. These tensions are often triggered by economic disparities, human rights issues, and sovereignty.

4. Tribal and Ethnic Issues

In countries such as Thailand and the Philippines, tribal and ethnic issues are a source of conflict. In Thailand, separatist movements in the Muslim-majority southern provinces against the predominantly Buddhist government have resulted in long-lasting tensions. In the Philippines, the struggle of Moro fighters for autonomy has been going on for decades, resulting in hundreds of thousands of deaths.

5. The Role of Great Powers

Tensions in the region are often exacerbated by the involvement of major powers such as the United States and China. Diplomacy, military invasion and the provision of weapons are part of a global strategy that influences regional stability. For example, US support for its allies in the Philippines and Vietnam shook China’s position, while China strengthened its influence through infrastructure investments.

6. Conflict Resolution Efforts

Various efforts have been made to handle this conflict through regional forums such as ASEAN. Despite difficulties in creating binding agreements, ASEAN proposed a dialogue-based approach to strengthen stability. Member countries also seek to create cooperation in the security and economic fields to reduce the potential for conflict.

7. The Future of Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia’s future is filled with challenges and opportunities. With changing geopolitical dynamics, countries in the region are faced with the need to strengthen multilateral cooperation. Through understanding between countries and upholding the principles of international law, there is hope for sustainable peace and stability.

The region requires greater global attention to create long-term solutions to existing conflicts, especially in facing new challenges arising from climate change and population growth.