Blue Economy Program Gains International Support
By: Gavin Asadit
Indonesia’s Blue Economy Program has received significant attention and support from various parties, both nationally and internationally. This initiative aims to utilize marine resources sustainably to support economic growth, maintain the health of marine ecosystems, and improve the welfare of coastal communities. With this approach, Indonesia seeks to make the marine sector a main pillar of development that maintains a balance between exploitation and conservation of natural resources.
Support for this program is increasingly evident with the award received by the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Army (Kasad) General TNI Maruli Simanjuntak at the Bali Ocean Days (BOD) 2nd Conferences and Showcase. This award was given as a form of appreciation for his dedication in realizing the blue economy through the TNI AD’s flagship programs, such as the Manunggal Air Program, the Food Security Program, and the Bersatu Dengan Alam environmental conservation program. The Manunggal Air Program itself has built more than 3,200 water sources that benefit more than 1.2 million people in various regions. This effort proves that the involvement of various parties, including the defense sector, is very important in supporting the success of the blue economy program.
Meanwhile, the Director of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas Rahmat Mulianda said that the government has prepared a roadmap for Indonesia’s blue economy 2023-2045. The main target is to achieve the area of marine conservation areas reaching 30 percent or 9.75 million hectares (ha) by 2045. In addition, an increase in the contribution of maritime gross domestic product (GDP) by 15 percent and maritime employment by 12 percent.
In addition to domestic support, international support also continues to flow to strengthen the implementation of the blue economy in Indonesia. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) recently approved a loan of $ 500 million to help Indonesia in its energy transition efforts. Although the main focus of this loan is the energy transition, this step shows an international commitment to helping Indonesia achieve its net zero carbon emission target by 2060, which is in line with the principles of the blue economy. This support is one indicator that the international community is increasingly paying attention to the sustainability of Indonesia’s marine resources.
The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) also continues to strive to implement the blue economy program despite facing challenges in terms of budget efficiency. Member of Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Rina Sa’adah said that her party continues to encourage KKP to remain optimistic and creative in implementing this program. She also emphasized the importance of maximizing the potential of the marine and fisheries sector, including the management of small islands and increasing the competitiveness of Indonesia’s marine tourism sector. The support from these legislators is an additional motivation for KKP to continue to develop policies that can balance economic and ecological aspects sustainably.
At the international level, KKP has also brought the blue economy program to the 36th Committee on Fisheries (COFI) meeting. In the meeting, KKP explained various efforts that have been made in managing fisheries sustainably, one of which is through a measured fishing system. In addition, the “Sea Love Month” program initiated by KKP is also in the spotlight, considering that this program aims to overcome the increasing problem of marine waste. Indonesia’s presence in international forums like this shows the government’s strong commitment to implementing the principles of the blue economy and sharing best practices with other countries.
Various other initiatives also support the development of the blue economy in Indonesia. The Blue Finance Accelerator program, for example, is designed to boost the growth of startups and SMEs in the blue economy sector. The program aims to strengthen the government’s capacity to support blue economy projects through public-private partnerships. In addition, the U.S. Embassies in Indonesia and Singapore launched the first YSEALI regional workshop on the blue economy. This innovative program is designed to empower young leaders from ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste to address sustainable ocean and fisheries challenges. Such collaborations are critical in accelerating the implementation of blue economy programs at the regional and global levels.
U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia, Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir said the YSEALI Blue Economy workshop is part of the U.S. government’s commitment to promoting sustainable development across Southeast Asia. By empowering young leaders, we are investing in the future of our shared ocean resources, fostering regional cooperation, and encouraging innovative solutions to ocean challenges.
