Attending the World Economic Forum, Minister Suharso Expresses Indonesia’s Urgency to Develop a Blue Economy

The Minister of National Development Planning expressed a number of urgencies for Indonesia to develop a blue economy. This was expressed by the Minister, while attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday (17/1/2024).
The urgency explained by the Minister is as follows. First, the blue economy will be a new engine for Indonesia’s economic growth. Through blue economy development, Indonesia is committed to increasing the contribution of the maritime economy to Indonesia’s GDP from 7.92% in 2022 to 15% in 2045.
Second, Indonesia has 17,508 islands. 65% of the territory is ocean. Indonesia has a 3 million kilometer economic zone, the second longest coastline, abundant marine wildlife areas, and many residents living near coastal areas who benefit from rich coastal and marine resources.
Third, Indonesia has a water area of 290,000 square kilometers, located between the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean, and has many seas and straits within its territory.
Fourth, Indonesia is located in a strategic position in international shipping routes. The Indonesian Archipelagic Sea Lane (ALKI) connects the waters of the South China Sea, Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean, and connects international water traffic from Africa, Australia and Asia.

Apart from the above, the Minister mentioned that a number of waters in Indonesia have abundant wealth. The Minister gave the example that the Natuna Islands are rich in fisheries and nature. Meanwhile, Cendrawasih Bay is rich in fisheries production and marine tourism.
Furthermore, the Mallaca Strait is very strategic as a trade route and the North Maluku Ocean has the potential for renewable energy production based on ocean currents.
As a positive step, the Minister said that Indonesia had launched the Blue Economy Roadmap and the Indonesia Blue Economy Roadmap (IBER) and the Indonesia Blue Economy Index at the national and provincial levels.
“I am confident that this step will be insignificant in guiding the development of an inclusive and resilient sea-based economy throughout the region, creating a significant positive impact on national economic growth,” he concluded.
Source: Bappenas