The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) commemorates its 23rd anniversary on Wednesday (26/10). Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono emphasized that his ministry's focus is currently accelerating five blue economy-based programs. The 5 blue economy-based programs aim to maintain the health of marine ecosystems, equitable economic growth in coastal areas, and improve community welfare. "Today, KKP is 23 years old. There is still a lot of homework to do, and our current focus is to accelerate the implementation of five economic programs that have been designed to become the ecological commander in chief, and to make the marine and fisheries sector the backbone of economic growth," said Trenggono. in a written statement, Wednesday (26/10/2022).
The MPA's five blue economy programs include expansion of marine conservation areas, implementation of quota-based measurable fishing policies, development of environmentally friendly aquaculture, especially for leading export commodities such as shrimp, lobster, seaweed, and crabs. Then structuring the use of marine space and coastal areas to preserve ecosystems from increasing economic activity, as well as implementing the Ocean Love Month program to reduce the population of plastic waste in the sea. "Thank you for the prayers and support from many parties. Our commitment is clear, managing the marine and fisheries sector according to the principles of the blue economy. Blue economy for Indonesia," added Trenggono. Through a short video sent to the KKP, words and support poured in from various figures in Indonesia. On average, it supports the KKP's steps in managing the marine and fisheries sector in a sustainable manner. The KKP is also asked to improve the welfare and quality of marine and fisheries community resources, especially for fishermen and crew members. "The sea and its contents must continue to be preserved for fertility and its ecosystem. We must focus more on researching the sea and its contents. The lives of fishermen must be improved properly, from their welfare, housing, health and education," said the 5th President of the Republic of Indonesia Megawati Soekarnoputri who also Chairman of the Steering Committee of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). Meanwhile, the Chairman of the MPR RI, Bambang Soesatyo, believes that the KKP'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. "I support the implementation of the blue economy with the foundation of making ecology maintain marine and coastal ecosystems as commanders in marine and fisheries economic development, by always prioritizing aspects of sustainability and sustainability, so that it will open up investment opportunities for employment and equitable growth which leads to the welfare of the Indonesian people," Bamsoet added. Speeches also came from the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Menko Marves) Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan who hoped that the blue economy program initiated by the KKP would be able to answer various challenges in the future, including the impact of climate change and the food crisis. "I hope that the blue economy programs that have been initiated by the KKP will be able to answer the challenges of managing the marine and fisheries sector for now and in the future. With the concept of blue economy governance, it is hoped that it will be able to bring about a balance of management both from the ecological, social and economic aspects, " said Luhut. Support also came from the Minister of National Planning and Development/Head of Bappenas, Suharso Monoarfa. Suharso hopes that the KKP's blue economy programs can become the spearhead of national economic growth, and become a pioneer in the implementation of blue economy programs in Indonesia. "It is hoped that the marine and fisheries sector will play a role as the spearhead of the blue economy in the country. We support the development and implementation of the blue economy so that Indonesia will prosper as a developed country," said Suharso.
