THE ANALYSIS OF STATE DEFENSE STRATEGY IN THE SEA OF THE MALAYSIA STATE IN ORDER TO FACE THE THREAT IN THE INDO-PACIFIC REGION

Abstract

Malaysia, as a strategic country in the Indo-Pacific region, faces various complex maritime security
challenges. In maintaining its sovereignty, Malaysia must manage threats arising from overlapping territorial
claims in the South China Sea, piracy and maritime crime in the Malacca Strait, as well as geopolitical tensions
between major powers such as the United States and China. Malaysia's centralized federal structure gives
the federal government the authority to determine national strategic policy, including international cooperation
and maritime defense. This research aims to analyze Malaysia's maritime defense strategy in facing threats
in the Indo-Pacific region using game theory, maritime strategy theory, and collective security theory. This
research identifies several strategies that Malaysia can take, including carrying out bilateral military exercises,
joint patrols, exchanges of officers and students, as well as sharing technology and defense industry
cooperation with neighboring countries such as Indonesia. Through game theory analysis, it was found that
the optimal strategy for Malaysia is to carry out joint operations around the Malacca Strait and the waters
bordering Indonesia, which will increase maritime security and prevent illegal activities. The research results
show that a combination of bilateral military exercises and joint patrols, supported by personnel exchange
programs and technological collaboration, is the most effective strategy to increase Malaysia's maritime
defense capabilities. Implementation of these strategies not only strengthens diplomatic relations and synergy
in developing human resources and defense technology but also creates stronger stability and security in the
Indo-Pacific region. The recommendation from this research is that Malaysia and Indonesia actively
implement the strategies that have been identified and continue to evaluate and adjust to ensure the
sustainability and increased effectiveness of maritime defense and security cooperation in the region.