BelitongToday, Sijuk – Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas RI, Suharso Monoarfa opened the ASEAN Blue Economy Forum at Sheraton Hotel and Resort, Tanjung Binga, Sijuk, Belitung, Monday (7/3).
In his online remarks, Suharso Monoarfa welcomed and thanked the participants of the ASEAN Blue Economy Forum delegation. The event took place on July 1-4.
Suharso Monoarfa said that the ASEAN Blue Economy Forum is a very important forum. This forum will talk about the importance of blue economy implementation in the Southeast Asian region.
“This forum is very important since it is related to the blue economy development in the region,” Suharso said.
He explained that in this forum, Indonesia will present a blue economy roadmap in Indonesia along with Golden Indonesia 2045. Likewise with the development of blue economy plans in the Southeast Asia region.
“Indonesia has also successfully launched a community-based blue economy. The trend shows that the marine and fisheries sector is growing with an increasing contribution to GDP,” he explained.
Suharso Monoarfa in opening the ASEAN Blue Economy Forum added, on the other hand, marine damage due to pollution, over-utilization, and climate change threatens the sustainability of the marine environment. To answer these challenges, they have developed a blue economy roadmap towards Golden Indonesia 2045. This will be presented at the forum.
“Thank you to ASEAN members, the World Bank, ERIA, the UN, and all parties who help realize the blue economy in the region,” he stated.
Balancing Ecology and Economy
Meanwhile, Director General of Marine Management of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Victor Gustav Manopo said the blue economy aims to balance ecology and economy.
“Blue economy policy in Indonesia is to protect the sea and natural resources, reduce pressure on fisheries, and maintain the sustainability of marine areas,” he outlined.
This can be realized through the development of protected marine areas, quota-based fishing, ensuring sustainable marine and coral areas. Then supervision and control of small islands and corals, and cleaning the sea and beaches from plastic waste.
“Ocean accounting is useful as an indicator to calculate the stability between economic growth and the sustainability of marine life. Tools to measure this include the area, status, and value of marine ecosystems and environments. And also, the ocean’s contribution to the economy. In addition, there is the impact of economic activities on the ocean. Along with the the quality of comprehensive economic management policies on GDP,” he told the audience.
He revealed, in addition to prioritizing ocean health, the blue economy also opens up opportunities for investment and employment.
“As well as increasing economic growth, especially in coastal communities,” he concluded.(Tim)
