Bappenas Emphasizes Blue Economy Development to Ensure Inclusive and Sustainable Prosperity

BALI - Indonesia is an archipelago of 17,508 islands, and is the country with the second-longest coastline in the world, making the Blue Economy a new engine of economic growth for the country. 

Indonesia’s Blue Economy Roadmap states that the country is committed to increasing the maritime sector's GDP contribution from 7.9 percent in 2022 to 15 percent in 2045. Indonesia is also continually striving to develop transformative technologies and sustainable practices to ensure that the benefits of the Blue Economy can be enjoyed by all layers of society. 

"Coastal communities face higher vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels, which underscores the urgency for innovative solutions," explained the Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas Suharso Monoarfa at the Parallel Event Blue Economy Innovation: For Shared Prosperity during the World Water Forum 2024: Water for Shared Prosperity, on Sunday, 19 May.

The event, attended by the Acting Governor of Bali, representatives of the OECD's 4P, CSIRO Advisors, IUCN, Co-founder of Uluu, academics, and the private sector, served as a platform for discussion to exchange views and foster partnerships that promote the Blue Economy, ensuring fair and sustainable prosperity. The Blue Economy Innovation for Shared Prosperity is Indonesia's commitment to advancing inclusive economic development. 

"Innovative solutions in fisheries, aquaculture, and marine tourism are leveraged to improve livelihoods, protect biodiversity, and reduce the impacts of climate change," explained the Deputy for Economic Affairs of the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas, Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti.

This plan is also in line with the efforts of the Bali Provincial Government, which manages marine resources sustainably and conserves them to enhance Bali's economic growth. "The philosophy of segara kerthi aligns with the Blue Economy concept. It involves managing marine resources with community participation, resource efficiency, creating double added value, involving more labor, and achieving zero waste," explained the Acting Governor of Bali, S. M. Mahendra Jaya.

This event is expected to provide an understanding of the concept and potential of the Blue Economy to advance shared prosperity through innovation. 

"I want to emphasize three main aspects in achieving the goals of the Blue Economy: national and global governance, multi-stakeholder understanding and agreement, and government and private investment. With the commitment and cooperation of all parties, I am confident that we are able to achieve a sustainable Blue Economy that provides significant benefits for national development and the welfare of our society," concluded Minister Suharso.