The Vice Chairman of the Indonesian Parliamentary Cooperation Body (BKSAP), Putu Supadma Rudana, highlighted the Second Indonesia-Pacific Parliamentary Partnership (IPPP) session, held in Jakarta on 25–26 July 2024, as a pivotal moment to promote the blue economy concept. This approach is crucial for Pacific nations, which are largely surrounded by oceans. The session, themed "Partnership for Prosperity: Fostering Regional Connectivity and Inclusive Development," emphasized the vast maritime potential in the region, particularly in relation to food security and sustainable tourism. Rudana pointed out the immense maritime wealth of Pacific countries, noting that two-thirds of Indonesia is ocean territory, rich in biodiversity and natural beauty. This presents significant opportunities for coastal agriculture and tourism, with Indonesia's renowned locations like Raja Ampat, Labuan Bajo, Komodo Island, and Bali serving as prime examples of tourism potential.
He stressed the importance of preserving marine biodiversity for future generations, advocating for sustainable practices in exploiting marine resources. Rudana also called for capacity building and comprehensive mapping of ocean resources as part of the blue economy strategy. Rudana mentioned that the Indonesian government and parliament are actively promoting the blue economy, with legislative efforts focusing on budget allocation and oversight to ensure the implementation of this concept benefits both Indonesia and other Pacific nations. He also highlighted the need to address climate change and its impact on marine ecosystems, urging for coordinated research and a unified approach to managing oceanic resources in the region.
