SEA OF OKHOTSK: RUSSIA’S INTERESTS IN PRESERVING ITS SOVEREIGNTY IN SOUTH KURIL ISLANDS (2010-2015) By Sari Capriani ID No. 016201300137 A Thesis presented to the Faculty of Humanities, International Relations Study Program President University In partial Fulfillment of the requirements for Bachelor Degree in International Relations Major in Strategic and Defense Studies January 2017 THESIS ADVISER RECOMMENDATION LETTER This thesis titled “SEA OF OKHOTSK: RUSSIA’S INTERESTS IN PRESERVING ITS SOVEREIGNTY IN SOUTH KURIL ISLANDS (2010- 2015)” prepared and submitted by Sari Capriani in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in International Relations in the Faculty of Humanities as been reviewed and found to have satisfied the requirements for a thesis fit to be examined. I therefore recommend this thesis for Oral Defense. Cikarang, Indonesia, January 2017 ________________________________ Drs. Teuku Rezasyah M.A., Ph.D ii PANEL OF EXAMINER APPROVAL SHEET The Panel of Examiner declare that thesis entitled “Sea of Okhotsk: Russia’s Interests in Preserving Its Sovereignty in South Kuril Islands (2010-2015)” that was submitted by Sari Capriani majoring in International Relations from the Faculty of Humanities was assessed and approved to have passed the Oral Examinations on February 17, 2017. Cikarang, Indonesia, February 2017 Chair of Panel Examiner ________________________________ Drs. Teuku Rezasyah M.A., Ph.D Member of Panel Examiners ______________________ __________________________ Dr. Endi Haryono, M.Si Bustanul Arifin, BA.IR, M.A iii DECLARATION OF ORIGINALITY I declare that this thesis, titled “SEA OF OKHOTSK: RUSSIA’S INTERESTS IN PRESERVING ITS SOVEREIGNTY IN SOUTH KURIL ISLANDS (2010-2015)” is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, an original piece of work that has not been submitted, either in whole or in part, to another university to obtain a degree. Cikarang, Indonesia, January 2017 ________________________________ Sari Capriani iv ABSTRACT Sari Capriani, 016201300137, Sea of Okhotsk: Russia’s Interests in Preserving Its Sovereignty in South Kuril Islands (2010-2015) Advisors: Drs. Teuku Rezasyah, M.A., Ph.D, Bustanul Arifin, BA.IR, M.A The long-lasting dispute between Russia and Japan over the sovereignty of South Kuril Islands still remains unresolved until this present day. In 2010, when Russia released their new military doctrine, the issues related to the dispute had received more spotlights in Russia and Japan relations. However, the existence of the territorial dispute between Russia and Japan do not prevent both states to maintain good relations in another aspect while attempt to find a solution to solve the issues over disputed islands. Some important events happened during the period 2010-2015 that shaped the relations between both states. The willingness of Russia to preserve its status quo over the ownership of South Kuril Islands is following the importance that offered by the islands to Russia’s maritime security. The research was done in the period of 2010-2015, using the qualitative method to assemble narrative and analysis from numerous of sources, such as news, journal, and books. Keywords: dispute, south kuril islands, Russia, Japan,, maritime, interest v ABSTRAK Sari Capriani, 016201300137, Sea of Okhotsk: Russia’s Interests in Preserving Its Sovereignty in South Kuril Islands Pembimbing: Drs. Teuku Rezasyah, M.A., Ph.D, Bustanul Arifin, BA.IR, M.A Sengketa yang berkepanjangan antara Rusia dan Jepang terhadap kepemilikan pulau kuril selatan masih belum terselesaikan sampai sekarang. Pada tahun 2010, ketika Rusia menerbitan doktrin military mereka yang baru, isu tentang sengketa kepulauan kuril selatan mendapatkan lebih banyak perhatian dalam hubungan antara Rusia dan Jepang. Namun, adanya sengketa territorial antara Rusia dan Jepang tidak menghalangi kedua negara untuk menjaga hubungan baik mereka dalam aspek-aspek sementara berusaha menemukan solusi ntuk menyelesaikan isu tentang pulau yang menjadi sumber sengketa. Beberapa kejadian penting terjadi selama periode 2010-2015 yang membentuk hubungan antara kedua negara. Keinginan Rusia untuk mempertahankan status quo-nya atas kepemilikan pulau Kuril Selatan mengikuti banyaknya kepentingan yang ditawarkan untuk keamanan maritim Rusia. Penelitian ini dilakukan pada periode 2010-2015, menggunakan metode kualitatif untuk membangun narasi dan analisis dari berbagai sumber, seperti berita, jurnal, dan buku. Kata kunci: sengketa, kepulauan kuril selatan, Rusia, Jepang, Kepentingan vi ACKNOWLEDGEMENT “Unquestionably, the help of Allah is near” (Al-Baqarah 2:214) After almost four years experiencing the life of college student, the journey has come near its end. In this section I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everybody who always there, being a part of this tiresome yet wonderful journey. To my beautiful mother who loves me unconditionally, my guardian angel that never get tired to encourage me, the one who knows exactly that shopping is my hobby. Your love for me is endless, thank you, mom. To a man that always believes in my dream, the one who works so hard to help me conquer the world. You are the best father and role model. To my handsome brothers, Tedi that always argues with me but I love him unconditionally. Kak Andi which soon will be the most successful person and I also love him (un)conditionally. To my thesis adviser, Drs. Teuku Rezasyah M.A., Ph.D. who always give me his time despite his busy schedule. You do not only act as a supervisor but also being a figure that encourages me to finish this thesis as soon as possible. To my second thesis adviser, Mr. Bustanul Arifin BA.IR, MA. who always gives me fast respond every time I have difficulties in writing this thesis, without your help I would not have reached this finish line of my university. I also would like to express my special thanks to Prof A.A. Banyu Perwita whose his knowledge and presentations that he shared with me during maritime security subject has helped me a lot in finishing this thesis writing. I am happy to be one of your students. I also would like to express my thankfulness to my beloved friends that have survived with me together in this journey. To my friends, Dwini Fernanda, A.A.I.Satyaningrat, Hillary Tanida, Yuka Devi, Christophorus Rudi and Gabriel Partogi, we have been together for a long time, but it is not yet a time to split up. Let’s us experiencing another wonderful journey together in the future. vii Lastly, to my friends from batch 2013 that have been parts of my life during this three and half years. I hope every single of you will be a wonderful person once you left our beloved university. Cikarang, January 2017 viii TABLE OF CONTENTS THESIS ADVISER RECOMMENDATION LETTER ......................................... ii PANEL OF EXAMINER APPROVAL SHEET ................................................... iii DECLARATION OF ORIGINALITY .................................................................. iv ABSTRACT ............................................................................................................ v ABSTRAK ............................................................................................................. vi ACKNOWLEDGMENT....................................................................................... vii TABLE OF CONTENTS ....................................................................................... ix LIST OF FIGURES ............................................................................................... xi LIST OF ABREVIATIONS ................................................................................. xii CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION ............................................................................. 1 1.1. Background of the Study .............................................................................. 1 1.2. Identification of Problem ............................................................................. 5 1.3. Statement of the Problem ............................................................................. 7 1.4. Research Objectives ..................................................................................... 7 1.5. Significant of the Study ................................................................................ 8 1.6. Theoretical Framework ................................................................................ 8 1.6.1 Realism ................................................................................................... 8 1.6.2. Maritime Security Matrix ...................................................................... 9 1.7. Literature Review ....................................................................................... 14 1.8. Research Methodology ............................................................................... 18 1.8.1 Research Instrument ................................................................................. 20 1.9. Scope and Limitation of the Study ............................................................. 20 1.10. Research Structure .................................................................................... 21 1.10.1 Chapter I Introduction ........................................................................ 21 1.10.2 Chapter II History of South Kuril Islands Dispute ............................. 21 1.10.3 Chapter III Russia and Japan Relations over South Kuril Islands Dispute (2010-2015) .....................................................................................