What is IORA?
The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is the pioneer and only regional organization in the Indian Ocean region. The Indian Ocean is a strategic water area especially for the world economy. The Indian Ocean acts as a hub for international trade routes from Asia to Europe and vice versa. The purpose of IORA is to implement trade and enhance trade cooperation. IORA is a regional organization of Indian Ocean countries, including Australia, Bangladesh, Comoros, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
As the world's largest archipelago, Indonesia's existence not only reflects its physical characteristics, but also serves as the basis for its grand strategy in conducting martitime diplomacy. Its unique geographical location, surrounded by two continents and two oceans, provides an urgent challenge in optimizing the potential of marine resources. Recognition of the strategic value of the Indian Ocean as a global trade route and its rich natural resources provides a strong impetus for Indonesia to play its role. The active role it must play at the regional level is evident in its active involvement in the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
The concept of the Global Maritime Axis is not just a statement, but has become a reality as a manifestation of Indonesia's determination to make maritime potential the main pillar of economic growth. It places special emphasis on trade cooperation and economic development, and not only seeks to protect marine resources, but also actively seeks to strengthen diplomatic networks with neighboring countries. These efforts are not only limited to strengthening bilateral relations, but also include active participation in regional organizations such as IORA. Through this initiative, Indonesia will make a significant contribution to transboundary cooperation and explore the economic and strategic potential of the entire Indian Ocean region.
According to Sea Power Theory Perspective
Alfred Thayer Mahan is one of the pioneers of the development of maritime orientation in the modern century. In his book entitled The Influence at Sea Power Upon History 1660-1783, Mahan said that sea power is a very important element for the glory of a country. If this element is strengthened and utilized properly, it can provide prosperity and security for the nation. Conversely, if this element is left unchecked and not utilized properly, it can actually undermine the nation. According to Mahan, Sea Power is synonymous with Maritime Power, which is everything that makes a nation superior in terms of activities at sea or maritime or in coastal areas. Therefore, Sea Power can be understood as the ability of a country to monitor or control an area that not only includes sea trade routes, but also the entire sea area around it.
According to the sea power theory perspective, the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) takes on significant importance for Indonesia as a maritime country seeking to safeguard its sovereignty and maritime security. The sea power theory, notably articulated by strategists such as Alfred Mahan, underscores the pivotal role of maritime strength in shaping a nation's global influence. In this context, IORA emerges as a strategic initiative that aligns with Indonesia's efforts to enhance its maritime capabilities and foster collaboration among Indian Ocean rim countries. Indonesia's commitment to fortifying its sea fleet and maritime security is in harmony with the principles of sea power theory, which emphasizes the control and utilization of maritime spaces for economic and strategic advantages. The establishment of IORA in 1997 represents a deliberate move by Indonesia, along with several other Indian Ocean rim nations, to create a cooperative platform. This initiative aligns with Mahan's notion that maritime powers must engage in international cooperation to secure their interests in vital sea lanes.
IORA serves as a tangible manifestation of Indonesia's recognition that maritime security is not solely a national concern but a regional one. Through increased cooperation with other countries in the Indian Ocean Rim, Indonesia acknowledges the interconnected nature of maritime challenges and the necessity of collective action. This collaborative approach resonates with Mahan's argument that a nation's maritime power is strengthened through alliances and partnerships. Furthermore, IORA facilitates the augmentation of maritime monitoring capabilities, another crucial aspect of sea power theory. Mahan stressed the importance of naval intelligence and surveillance in securing maritime interests. By actively participating in IORA, Indonesia demonstrates its commitment to enhancing maritime domain awareness, a key component of modern naval strategies. The association also provides a platform for the augmentation of military capabilities at sea, aligning with the broader objectives of sea power theory. The cooperative endeavors within IORA contribute to the development of collective maritime strength, reflecting Mahan's principle that naval power should be robust and adaptable to emerging challenges.
In conclusion, from a sea power theory perspective, IORA plays a vital role in Indonesia's pursuit of maritime security and sovereignty. By actively engaging in this association, Indonesia aligns itself with the principles of sea power theory, recognizing the importance of collaboration, maritime monitoring, and the enhancement of naval capabilities for safeguarding its interests in the Indian Ocean region. IORA stands as a testament to Indonesia's strategic foresight in leveraging regional cooperation to bolster its maritime influence and security.There are six elements that can influence Sea Power: geographical position, physical conformation, extent of territory, number of population, national character, and character of government. Based on its geographical location, the Indonesian archipelago is between the Asian Continent and the Australian Continent, and between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Thus, the Indonesian territory is in a cross position, which has an important meaning in relation to climate and economy. Because it is located between two oceans that are very busy shipping, coupled with the richness of flora, fauna, and mineral resources will greatly support trade and increase the source of foreign exchange.
Indonesia's geographical location on the young fold causes the possibility of exploitation of mineral resources so that Indonesia must always increase security and protect its territory both land and sea areas. Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world. So that Indonesia is the country with the longest coastline in the world after Canada. The shape of Indonesia's land surface can be divided into lowlands, plateaus, hills, mountains, and mountains. The natural ports owned by the country function all-round beneficially, both for trade and its navy.
My name is Ihda Latifah Hanum, I'm the student of international relation department '22 Â in Universitas Teknologi Yogyakarta (akreditasi B) one of the best private university in Indonesia, the reason why I choose to become the student here is I like to study about social science and it's not only talk about the relation of the people but also between countries, we have many of the best lecturers there, but if I have to choose 3 of them it will be, Mr. Adi Wibawa S.IP, M.A, Ms. Hidayat Chusnul Chotimah S.I.A, M.A, Mr. Muhammad Ridha Iswardhana S.I.P, M.A. We have to choose the concentration of our study next semester and I will choose business diplomacy as mine.
