Indonesia is committed to implementing the concept of the blue economy in maritime spatial governance through a series of policies. In the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, regarding the implementation of the blue economy, we have five key policies that we have introduced. The five key policies are as follows. First, expanding conservation areas, which is essential because it also relates to climate change. Second is the policy of measured fishing. The Ministry has conveyed to all AIS Forum participants that Indonesia has initiated this. Government Regulation Number 11 of 2023 has been issued, requiring fishing at sea, especially in Indonesian waters, to be quota-based. Third is the development of sustainable aquaculture, both in coastal areas, offshore, and inland fisheries. There are five commodities that should become leading products in the coming years, namely shrimp, lobster, crab, tilapia, and seaweed. The fourth policy is the supervision of small islands and coastal areas. Fifth, as mentioned in an international forum, including the AIS Forum last year, efforts have been made to clean up plastic waste in the sea, involving the participation of fishermen.
The Minister explained that the establishment of the AIS Forum always refers to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, especially regarding good global maritime governance. There are three main elements, according to the Minister, that will ensure the sustainability of the AIS Forum. First, a sense of common destiny. Because we are all archipelagic nations, we are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. We can work together to face climate change-related challenges. Second, political interests will be enshrined in the Leaders' Declaration of the AIS Forum to enhance the AIS Forum as a stronger and more effective institution in the future. And lastly, aspects of funding, knowledge, and experience. One point in the Leaders' Declaration of the AIS Forum relating to sustainable marine management is that all AIS Forum countries, especially the leaders, must have the same perspective on managing, preserving, and protecting the sea, where ecology must take precedence. In general, AIS Forum countries have responded positively and respect each other's commitment levels. In this forum, all the interests of AIS countries must share their experiences. The biggest challenge is that the vast marine resources must prioritize ecological preservation. It is important that the five programs we initiated as blue economy initiatives be conveyed in the forum so that all archipelagic nations can commit to preserving the sea as one ecology, including its biota.
