Indonesian officials cancel participation at SCS tribunal commemorative conference - Asia & Pacific - The Jakarta Post

Asia & Pacific

The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruled in favor of the Philippines on July 12, 2016, clarifying that China’s claim over maritime areas within the so-called “nine-dash line” have no lawful effect, unless stipulated by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). China, as well as Taiwan, rejected the ruling.

Philippine Senator Risa Hontiveros raises a Philippine flag on Feb. 21, 2026, on Thitu Island in the South China Sea. (AFP/Jam Sta Rosa)

Indonesian government officials pulled out of a conference marking the 10th anniversary of an international tribunal ruling on the South China Sea just two days before the event started on Monday in Jakarta.The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruled in favor of the Philippines on July 12, 2016, clarifying that China’s claim over maritime areas within the so-called “nine-dash line” have no lawful effect, unless stipulated by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). China, as well as Taiwan, rejected the ruling.

“From the early stages of preparing this conference we received full and constructive support from the Indonesian Foreign Ministry and from a number of relevant ministries and government institutions,” Indonesian co-organizer Arie Afriansyah from the University of Indonesia’s (UI) School of Law told conference participants in his welcoming remarks.