IO – As the largest archipelagic country on the planet, a healthy marine environment is central to Indonesia’s sustainable development. Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has stated that Indonesia is proud to be in the vanguard of marine protection.
“Our commitment is to achieve the target of 32.5 million hectares of marine conservation areas by 2030. As of 2021, we have accomplished 28.1 million hectares or 86.5%. We are confident of meeting our commitments by 2030,” said the President in his speech at the 2022 One Ocean Summit, broadcasted on the Cabinet Secretariat’s YouTube channel, Friday (2/11/2022).
President Jokowi also affirmed Indonesia’s commitment to reduce marine plastic waste by 70% up to 2025. The Government has taken several measures to achieve the target, from developing an action plan for marine plastic waste management to constructing waste-fueled power plants that can convert 1,000 tons of waste to 10 megawatts of electricity per day.
“The mangrove ecosystem has also become our concern. We are targeting 600 thousand hectares of mangrove rehabilitation by 2024. We believe this will not only impact the preservation of the marine environment and sustainable development but also climate change,” Jokowi added.
Last year at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), Indonesia and other countries from the Archipelagic and Island States Forum promoted the vital connection between the ocean and climate change.
“Indonesia believes that with international support, archipelagic and island countries can be part of the solution,” he said.
Jokowi reckons that marine environment management needs to be included as an aspect of sustainable development, and plays a part in supporting economic recovery impacted by the pandemic.
“We have taken monumental steps, such as a measurable and quota-based fishing policy supported by an integrated technology-based surveillance system, and the development of aquaculture villages based on local wisdom for poverty alleviation and preserving commodities with high economic value,” he explained.
At the global level, Indonesia will continue to support mainstream marine issues. “Indonesia’s G20 presidency will highlight the importance of a blue economy, blue carbon and the handling of marine debris. Indonesia is ready to partner with all parties to realize a sustainable marine ecosystem,” the President concluded.
The One Ocean Summit took place in France on February 9-11, 2022. It aims to mobilize the international community and take collective action for conserving and supporting healthy and sustainable oceans. The One Ocean Summit was held in the context of the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union, with the support of the United Nations. (eka)