Ocean and Peace Conference : Key Insights for Southeast Asian Archipelagic States and BBNJ Implementation

Orima Davey as a part of the Legal Lab Team (LLT) participated the “Ocean and Peace” conference by Indonesia Ocean Justice Initiative (IOJI) in partnership with the Centre for International Law, National University of Singapore Conference. This event convened a high-level, cross-disciplinary forum on law, governance and peace at sea. The programme gathered leading academics, senior diplomats and practitioners from the region and beyond to explore how legal frameworks, institutional cooperation and inclusive governance can sustain peaceful and sustainable uses of the ocean. The roster combined global law-of-the-sea expertise, regional diplomacy and civil society advocacy. Several research fellows and specialists addressed cybersecurity, submarine cables governance, human rights at sea and dispute settlement, enriching technical and normative debates. 

The conference unfolded across panels that framed an “ocean for peace,” cooperative mechanisms, threats to peaceful uses of the sea, and pathways for peaceful dispute resolution. Three cross-cutting messages emerged. First, legal clarity and jurisdictional certainty are essential to prevent conflict and enable cooperation, particularly for emerging activities and technologies. Second, intergovernmental coordination and regional coalitions are needed to translate international instruments into effective regional practice and capacity building. Third, inclusive governance that engages local communities, civil society and technical experts will be decisive for legitimacy and compliance in ocean policies. Panelists also highlighted pressing technical topics such as maritime cybersecurity, protection of submarine infrastructure, and the role of environmental enforcement in upholding ocean peace. 

Participants called for concrete follow up including targeted capacity building, a regional dialogue platform on ocean governance, and collaborative research to translate high-level norms into operational guidance. Several speakers offered to support IOJI’s planned capacity-building modules and suggested joint policy briefs to inform national and ASEAN-level deliberations. Conference organisers will circulate panel reports and speaker notes to participants and publish a short synthesis summarising policy recommendations. This event aligns with ongoing research at LLT on the readiness of Southeast Asian archipelagic states to implement the BBNJ Package Deal. The discussions on governance, institutional cooperation, and ocean peace directly reflect the key findings of LLT’s study, which highlights the need for stronger coordination, scientific capacity, and legal preparedness among archipelagic states such as Indonesia as they move toward BBNJ implementation.