Indonesia- Vietnam Maritime Delimitation: From Single-Line to Double-Line

The Indonesia and Vietnam maritime delimitation, spanning over 50 years, serves as an interesting case study on the interpretation and application of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS) in Southeast Asia to peacefully resolve maritime disputes. This case stands out as the first instance of full maritime delimitation and management of the grey area using separated lines for the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf in the region. Notably, it represents the first completion of maritime delimitation (EEZ and continental shelf) between an archipelago state and a coastal state, despite Indonesia having signed 21 maritime delimitation agreements previously. Hence, this agreement holds value not only for the involved states but also for fostering peace and security in the region and globally. The article aims to shed light on this continental shelf and EEZ delimitation process, exploring their consequences and providing a perspective on their implications.