The John Batchelor Show S8 Ep866: Indonesia is taking "baby steps" toward U.S. cooperation to counter China's unlawful maritime claims. James Holmes highlights the importance of professional military education and potential overflight agreements to secure the Strait of Malacca. (5/16)
May 13, 2026
James Holmes, Wiley Chair of Maritime Strategy and naval strategy expert, offers a concise take on Indonesia's careful shift toward U.S. cooperation. He discusses countering China's maritime claims, securing the Strait of Malacca through training and overflight pacts, and the role of professional military education. Multilateral exercises and incremental engagement figure prominently.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Indonesia Moving From Neutrality To Pragmatic Security
- Indonesia is shifting from passive neutrality toward pragmatic security cooperation with the U.S. and others.
- James Holmes notes Indonesia takes "baby steps" like increased defenses after Chinese pressure on its EEZ and coastguard actions against Chinese fishing boats.
Use Professional Military Education To Build Trust
- Expand professional military education and training as low-friction ways to deepen cooperation.
- Holmes explicitly recommends offering PME, training, maintenance support and material help in exchange for security access like overflight rights.
China's Selective Compliance With Maritime Law
- China selectively accepts UNCLOS while advancing unlawful maritime claims in practice.
- Holmes highlights the Hague arbitration win against China yet notes Beijing still asserts traditional fishing rights and inconsistent positions on islands versus maritime zones.