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Senior naval officers from 22 Asia-Pacific nations gathered in Surabaya, Indonesia, on Wednesday for a three-day asia Pacific Naval Warfare Symposium.Co-hosted by the indonesian Navy and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the event aims to enhance regional naval forces’ capacity to apply international humanitarian law during armed conflicts at sea.
The symposium, which runs through Friday, features a robust agenda of presentations, case studies, and group exercises. Key topics include the request of international humanitarian law (IHL) or law of armed conflict (LOAC) in naval operations,the distinction between maritime law enforcement and armed conflict,and the humanitarian impact of naval activities.
“The Indonesian Navy recognizes that our maritime security is inherently linked to regional security — no nation can ensure maritime security alone. It requires partnership, understanding, collaboration, and shared commitment to international law and norms,” said Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Muhammad Ali.
Admiral Ali emphasized the importance of professional naval forces operating with precision and obligation,highlighting the value of peer-to-peer learning at the symposium. “Your collective experience and expertise will enrich our discussions and strengthen our regional maritime community,” he added.
The event also serves as a critical platform for dialog between the ICRC and regional naval forces. Participants are expected to engage in meaningful discussions, develop actionable insights, and foster bilateral engagements on maritime issues beyond the symposium.
Previous editions of the symposium have been held in cities such as kuala Lumpur, Colombo, and Beijing. In 2016,the Indonesian Navy and the ICRC co-organized an Asia-Pacific Workshop on the Law of Armed Conflict at Sea in Surabaya.
“In our unwavering pursuit of global harmony,Indonesia is committed to deepening inclusive dialogue and concrete collaboration,upholding international law,and respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations,as enshrined in the United Nations Charter,” said Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.
Minister Sjafrie underscored Indonesia’s commitment to global harmony and respect for international law. He emphasized that military operations at sea, even during conflict, must adhere to principles such as the united Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Geneva Conventions, the San Remo Manual, and the principle of neutrality in naval warfare.
The 36 senior naval officers in attendance represent a diverse group of nations, including Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Canada, China, fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, the United States, and Vietnam.
the symposium reflects a growing regional commitment to maritime security and the rule of law, fostering collaboration among nations to address the complexities of naval warfare while prioritizing humanitarian principles.
Key Takeaways:
- The Asia Pacific Naval Warfare Symposium, co-hosted by the Indonesian Navy and ICRC, focuses on applying international humanitarian law in naval operations.
- Participants from 22 countries engage in presentations, case studies, and group exercises to strengthen regional maritime security.
- Indonesia emphasizes the importance of collaboration and adherence to international law in maritime conflicts.
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In a groundbreaking event, senior naval officers from 22 Asia-Pacific nations convened in Surabaya, Indonesia, for the Asia-Pacific Naval Warfare Symposium. Co-hosted by the Indonesian Navy and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the symposium focused on enhancing regional naval forces’ capacity to apply international humanitarian law (IHL) during armed conflicts at sea. This interview delves into the key themes and outcomes of the symposium with Dr. Sarah Thompson,a renowned expert in maritime law and international humanitarian law.
Introduction to the Symposium
Senior Editor: Dr. Thompson, thank you for joining us today. Can you provide an overview of the Asia-Pacific Naval Warfare Symposium and its significance?
Dr. Sarah Thompson: Absolutely. The symposium is a crucial platform for naval leaders across the Asia-Pacific region to come together and discuss the application of international humanitarian law in naval operations. The event, co-hosted by the Indonesian Navy and the ICRC, aims to strengthen regional maritime security through collaboration and adherence to international law.
Key Topics and Agenda
Senior Editor: The symposium featured a robust agenda. What were some of the key topics discussed?
Dr. Sarah Thompson: The agenda was quite extensive, covering topics such as the application of international humanitarian law (IHL) or law of armed conflict (LOAC) in naval operations, the distinction between maritime law enforcement and armed conflict, and the humanitarian impact of naval activities. These discussions are vital for ensuring that naval operations are conducted with precision and respect for humanitarian principles.
Indonesia’s Role and Commitment
Senior Editor: Indonesia played a significant role in hosting this event. What was the message from the Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff, Admiral Muhammad Ali?
Dr.Sarah Thompson: Admiral Ali emphasized the importance of regional collaboration and the shared commitment to international law. He highlighted that no single nation can ensure maritime security alone and that partnership,understanding,and collaboration are essential. His message underscored the value of peer-to-peer learning and the collective experiance of the participants.
Humanitarian Impact and International Law
Senior Editor: The symposium also focused on the humanitarian impact of naval activities. Can you elaborate on this aspect?
Dr. Sarah Thompson: Certainly.The symposium addressed the need for naval forces to operate in accordance with international humanitarian law, even during armed conflicts. This includes adhering to principles such as the united Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),the Geneva Conventions,and the San Remo Manual. The goal is to minimize harm to civilians and non-combatants, ensuring that military operations at sea are conducted with a humanitarian focus.
Future Collaboration and Regional Commitment
Senior Editor: What are the expected outcomes of the symposium, and how will they impact future maritime security in the region?
Dr. Sarah Thompson: The symposium serves as a critical platform for dialog and collaboration. Participants are expected to engage in meaningful discussions, develop actionable insights, and foster bilateral engagements on maritime issues beyond the symposium. This commitment to collaboration and adherence to international law will undoubtedly strengthen regional maritime security and promote a culture of respect for humanitarian principles.
Conclusion
Senior Editor: Dr. Thompson, thank you for sharing your insights on this important event. the Asia-Pacific Naval Warfare Symposium highlights the growing regional commitment to maritime security and the rule of law, fostering collaboration among nations to address the complexities of naval warfare while prioritizing humanitarian principles.
Dr. Sarah Thompson: It was my pleasure. The symposium is a testament to the importance of international cooperation and the role of naval forces in upholding humanitarian law. I look forward to seeing the positive impact of these discussions on regional and global maritime security.
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