Indonesian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Arif Havas Oegroseno and Royal Netherlands Navy Vice Admiral Harold Liebregs delivered a strong and timely message underscoring the importance of freedom of navigation and the interconnected nature of UNCLOS in maintaining global maritime order.

The symposium also featured a ceremonial performance by “De Tamboers en Pijpers” of the Dutch Marine Corps, followed by a series of engaging panel discussions with leading UNCLOS experts.

Panel 1, titled “Freedom of Navigation,” addressed key legal challenges to UNCLOS. Experts emphasized that UNCLOS remains a “grand bargain,” noting that many current tensions stem from states increasingly prioritizing expanded coastal rights over protections for international navigation. Ensuring freedom of navigation, they highlighted, depends on diplomacy, legal cooperation, commercial confidence, and coordination between states and naval forces.

Panel 2, “Governance and Hybrid Threats,” focused on the interpretation of UNCLOS in the context of rapid technological developments. Critical underwater infrastructure has emerged as a significant strategic vulnerability. The concept of “plausible deniability” in gray-zone tactics—where actions blur the line between deliberate sabotage and accidental damage—complicates legal responses, enforcement, and escalation management. These hybrid maritime threats call for enhanced coordination among private actors, military institutions, and international organizations.

Overall, the symposium underscored the importance of international collaboration in safeguarding the principles of UNCLOS and addressing emerging maritime challenges collectively.

The organizers extend their sincere appreciation to all speakers, experts, and participants for contributing to this meaningful exchange of perspectives.