Heaptalk, Jakarta — The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) commemorated its 23rd anniversary with the theme Blue Economy for Indonesia on Wednesday (10/26). Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono emphasized that the ministry currently focuses on accelerating five blue-economy-based programs to maintain the health of marine ecosystems, equitable economic growth in coastal areas, and improve community welfare.
Trenggono said, “Today KKP turns 23 years old. We have a lot of homework to do, and our current focus is on accelerating the implementation of five economic programs that have been designed to make ecology the commander and to realize the marine and fisheries sector the backbone of economic growth.”
The five blue economy programs cover the expansion of marine conservation areas, implementation of quota-based measurable fishing policies, and development of environmentally friendly aquaculture, particularly for leading export commodities, spanning shrimp, lobster, seaweed, and crabs. The programs also include structuring the utilization of marine space and coastal areas to preserve ecosystems from increasing economic activity. Besides, the Ministry is implementing the Ocean Love Month program to reduce the population of plastic waste in the sea.
Several national figures support the Ministry’s steps to promote the blue economy program. Chairman of the Steering Committee of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) Megawati Soekarnoputri emphasized that the sea and its contents have to be preserved for its fertility and ecosystem. “We must focus more on researching the sea and its contents. The life of the fishermen needs to be improved properly, including their welfare, housing, health, and education,” said Megawati.
Chairman of People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Bambang Soesatyo believes that the Ministry’s move to promote the blue economy program will encourage investment in environmentally friendly marine and fisheries sectors. Thus, the marine and fisheries sector becomes the driving force of the economy, one of which is through the creation of jobs for coastal communities.
Bambang delivered, “I support the implementation of the blue economy with the foundation of making ecology to maintain marine and coastal ecosystems as commanders in marine fisheries economic development, by prioritizing aspects of sustainability. The effort will open up investment opportunities for employment and equitable growth which leads to the welfare of the Indonesian.”
Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan hopes that the blue economy program initiated by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries will answer multiple challenges in the future, including the impact of climate change and the food crisis. Luhut said, “With the concept of blue economic governance, we hope that the blue economy will bring a balance of management from the ecological, social, and economic aspects.”
Meanwhile, the Minister of Planning and National Development/Head of Bappenas Suharso Monoarfa expressed his expectation that the KKP’s blue economy programs can become the spearhead of national economic growth. “We support the development and implementation of the blue economy so that Indonesia can succeed as a developed country,” said Suharso in his closing statement.
