The Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas highlights the immense, yet untapped potential of the blue economy. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) projects the blue economy to reach USD 30 trillion by 2030, driven by port activities and fish processing. Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas, Suharso Monoarfa, emphasized the significant untapped potential of the blue economy during the Indonesia Development Forum 2023. He stressed that only a small percentage of this potential has been explored globally, and the hidden treasures, including energy resources for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, remain largely untouched. In 2020, sea-based exports reached USD 1.3 trillion, experiencing only a 3.2% contraction despite the widespread impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on various sectors. Around 30% of marine protected areas aim to safeguard habitats and biodiversity, and a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is necessary for a 1.5-degree Celsius temperature target.
Harnessing the blue economy is projected to create 12 million new jobs by 2030, surpassing renewable energy by over 40 times in 2050, and sustaining more than six times the production of sustainable seafood in 2050. The blue economy also holds the potential for USD 15.5 trillion in benefits and sustainable maritime investments by 2050. Suharso highlighted the extensive Indonesian waters as a significant asset for the development of the blue economy. Notable potentials in Indonesian waters include the Natuna Sea's wealth, with a fish potential of 504,212.85 tons per year, and substantial gas reserves. The Malacca Strait's trading potential is estimated at USD 1,500 trillion, serving as a passage for 45% of international maritime traffic. The Cendrawasih Bay (Biak-Numfor) is recognized for its abundant marine resources, contributing significantly to the national fisheries sector. Additionally, the development potential of tidal energy in the Capalulu Strait, where tidal currents reach a speed of 5 meters per second, was acknowledged. Suharso concluded by emphasizing the vastness of Indonesia's oceans as a crucial asset, suggesting that optimizing this immense potential would not only yield economic benefits but also provide effective protection for life habitats, particularly biodiversity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20%.
Source: https://investor.id/macroeconomy/349031/potensi-ekonomi-biru-capai-us-30-triliun-pada-2030
