Indonesia, a nation that controls vital maritime chokepoints, finds itself at the epicentre of an unfolding geopolitical drama. As rivalry builds between the United States and China, the prospect of more nuclear submarines passing through Indonesian waters – including plans for AUKUS boats under the newly formed pact between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States – brings an underlying legal question into focus. Would it be permissible under international law to deny access of foreign nuclear-powered submarines through archipelagic sea lanes?

The commentary is available here: https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/could-indonesia-legally-stop-transit-nuclear-powered-aukus-subs