Japanese Anti-Piracy Initiatives in Southeast Asia: Policy Formulation and the Coastal State Responses

Although Japan is generally hesitant to adopt aggressive positions in Asia's political affairs, especially in those activities involving the use of force, it has taken a leading role in eradicating maritime piracy. Japanese proposals envisioning active multinational cooperation met with little enthusiasm among the Southeast Asian states, but less ambitious bilateral approaches have enjoyed relative success. This article discusses the causes of the Japanese anti-piracy initiatives and the Singaporean, Indonesian, and Malaysian responses. The Japanese motivations include comprehensive security concerns, the perception of Japan as a piracy victim, and a range of institutional interests. Singapore, possessing interests closely aligned with those of Japan, has been most receptive. Indonesia has been the least receptive because it places low priority on fighting piracy and sees cooperation as relatively costly. Malaysia has engaged in moderate cooperation, but as the value it places on cooperation increases, Malaysia is becoming more favourable towards Japanese proposals.