As a maritime nation, Indonesia has substantial natural resources potential to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In the Sustainable Development Goals Seminar Series #92, maritime experts from the government, the United Nations, and academics gathered on Monday (August 21) to discuss these matters.
The Archipelagic Outlook has emerged as a novel idea for Indonesia’s development trajectory. This concept implies a foundation of development adapted to geographical and societal aspects. However, the social structure of communities as landowners poses challenges for the government in managing land across different regions.
Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the Archipelagic Outlook is crucial, both within the government and among local communities, to facilitate effective land management while considering sustainable factors.
“This maritime discourse is not a new concept. Since the time of our Indonesian ancestors, the archipelagic nature of our country has been recognized, even depicted in various national heritages such as reliefs and inscriptions,” said Assistant Deputy for Maritime Zone Delimitation and Border Areas, Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment of Indonesia, Sora Lokita.
“So, why should we aim to become the world’s maritime axis? The answer is simple. The fact is, we are the largest maritime nation. We have around 17,500 islands, a coastline stretching 108,000 km, and a population of 280 million. These factors need proper management to achieve our desired targets. Our younger generation needs to be more active in this context.”
The pursuit of the “World Maritime Axis” has been encapsulated within the seven pillars of Indonesia’s Maritime Policy. These pillars encompass the Archipelagic Outlook, sustainable development, blue economy, integrated and transparent management, participation, equality, and equitable distribution.
“This is extremely relevant to how these pillars will be linked to our SDGs delivery. This will be the role of the newly launched center, where we will move forward together and provide input for its development,” added the assistant deputy.
In addition to formulating Indonesia’s Maritime Policy, the government established The Archipelagic and Island State (AIS) Forum in 2017. This collaborative forum between Indonesia and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) aims to engage island nations worldwide in addressing maritime challenges.
Head of Partnership and Government Relations at the Archipelagic & Island State Forum, UNDP, Intan Defrina, explained how the AIS Forum strives to foster maritime management efforts at national and international levels.
“Four main issues or challenges we must confront: climate change, the blue economy, marine plastic waste, and effective maritime governance. We work within a multi-stakeholder system, meaning we cannot solely work with other countries. The AIS Forum necessitates us to be on the ground, collaborating with NGOs and communities that share our aligned ideas,” stated Intan Defrina.
The effort to formulate sustainable maritime management necessitates integration across various sectors. This collaboration extends beyond just the maritime sector; local sectors must also understand how to implement maritime ideas. The hope is that the collaboration of all parties will contribute to Indonesia becoming a world maritime axis by 2030.
Author: Tasya