2023

MMAF Prepares Integration of Land and Sea Spatial Planning at IKN

(December 4th, 2023) The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries is preparing steps to integrate the Land and Sea Spatial Plan in the National Strategic Area (KSN) of the Nusantara Capital City (IKN).  As a first step, MMAF provides a comprehensive understanding and information about integrated land and sea spatial planning in the National Strategic Area (KSN) of the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) to related parties.

MMAF also thoroughly explores issues in marine spatial planning in a socialization entitled Spatial Planning of the National Strategic Area of the Nusantara Capital City (IKN). 

Director General of Marine Spatial Management Victor Gustaaf Manoppo said that one of the strategies to realize the vision of IKN as a world city that is built and managed sustainably, as a driver of the Indonesian economy in the future and a symbol of national identity that represents the diversity of the Indonesian nation,

Indonesian Seas Have Energy Potential That Will Make Your Jaw Drop, Here's The Data

(December 4th, 2023) Indonesia's seas hold great potential for energy and mineral resources. These resources can be developed as a source of energy for the community, while absorbing carbon emissions.

The Center for Marine Geological Survey and Mapping of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources noted that the (practical) potential of Indonesia's marine energy reaches around 63 gigawatts (GW). Consisting of ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) of 41 GW, ocean current energy of 20 GW, and ocean wave energy of 2 GW.

"This figure does not include the potential of tidal waves, offshore wind, seawater floating solar PV, and other new energy," said Secretary General of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Dadan Kusdiana in the agenda of the 'Oceanovation' Road to Harnus Talkshow at the ESDM Office, Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan, Central Jakarta, Monday (4/12/2023).

Understanding Atmospheric Dynamics Through Semar and Kamajaya

(December 2nd, 2023) The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) through the Climate and Atmosphere Research Center is currently developing space-based, airborne, and ground-based climate and atmospheric observations and technologies. This is done to understand the dynamics, physics, and chemistry of the atmosphere in the equatorial maritime continent, and improve predictive capabilities to benefit the nation and society.

Head of BRIN's Ocean Atmosphere Interaction and Climate Variability Research Group Erma Yulihastin explained that this research was conducted to answer the challenges of the complexity of the equatorial maritime continent. In addition, it can be used for observation, prediction, and atmospheric knowledge through Decision Support System (DSS), especially in the fields of agriculture, energy, transportation, environment, health, and disaster.

Global Standardized Methods Needed for Microplastic Management

(November 14th, 2023) Efforts to deal with microplastic pollution require a standardized method on a global scale. For this reason, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) are jointly looking for the best method in dealing with the microplastic problem. This handling was discussed through a workshop entitled "Determining Microplastic Distribution in Coastal Aquaculture Input System and Developing A Mitigation Plan Towards Seafood Safety APEC OFWG 03 2021A", in Kuta, Bali, Wednesday-Friday (8-10/11).

The event featured experts from Australia, America, OFWG representatives from the economies of China, Vietnam, Chile, Thailand, Indonesia, Peru, Singapore, Japan, and Malaysia.

Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries: Catch Quotas for Sustainability

(November 6th, 2023) Overfishing is one of the main challenges in managing marine areas in the country. The wealth of marine products is threatened to shrink if massive fishing that ignores environmental sustainability is not immediately controlled.

The government plans to implement a quota-based measured fishing (PIT) policy starting in early 2024. This policy has received mixed responses from various groups, ranging from fishermen to fisheries industry players.

A number of fishermen believe that the policy has the potential to harm them. The policy, which is summarized in Government Regulation Number 11 of 2023, is feared to make it more difficult for local fishermen to compete with fish companies coming from outside.

Indonesia-South Korea Establish Cooperation in Production of Seaweed and Napoleon Fish

(November 4th, 2023) Indonesia and South Korea are strengthening cooperation in increasing the productivity of aquaculture. The governments of the two countries have signed an Implementation Agreement (IA) document on smart technology support through the Official Development Assistance (ODA) scheme in Busan, South Korea, on Tuesday (31/10/2023). This cooperation will focus on increasing seaweed and Napoleon fish production in Indonesia.

The ODA project is titled Smart Technological Support to Improve Aquaculture Productivity in Indonesia. This cooperation was established as a follow-up to the MoU between the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment of the Republic of Indonesia and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea on maritime cooperation in 2022.

ASEAN Countries Strengthen Response to Plastic Pollution and Marine Debris

(October 24th, 2023) ASEAN countries agreed to address and strengthen the handling of plastic pollution and marine debris. This was discussed at the ASEAN Senior Official on Environment (ASOEN) - National Focal Point (NFP) meeting, coupled with the ASEAN Conference for Combating Plastic Pollution (ACCPP), on October 17, 2023, in Jakarta. 

Head of the Instrument Standardization Agency of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) Ary Sudijanto as ASOEN NFP Indonesia, explained that the ACCPP is part of Indonesia's commitment as ASEAN Chair to coordinate voices in fighting plastic pollution and marine litter regionally through the 43rd ASEAN Summit Chair's Statement article 129.

Coastal Ecosystems and FOLU Net Sink 2030

(October 24th, 2023) Indonesia has the ambition to reduce national emissions by 2030 to 31.89 percent through its own efforts and or 43.2 percent with international assistance. The ambition is being realized through various means involving many parties. The greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction target is outlined in an official document that serves as national guidance, namely the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) or national contribution target. Where, the big target is emphasized on the forestry sector on land.

The Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) then made policies and programs that could accelerate the achievement of these targets. One of them is through the Forestry and Other Land Use Net Sink policy in 2030 (FOLU Net Sink 2030).

Discussing the Issue of Sea Level Rise, Indonesia Prioritizes Legal Certainty and Balance

(October 17th, 2023) As a global organization, the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO) collaborates with various other international organizations, including the International Law Commission (ILC). AALCO is a partner in researching subjects discussed by the ILC and providing recommendations based on the viewpoints of AALCO member countries.

This allows AALCO to play an important role in the codification and progressive advancement of international law, while strengthening the relationship between the two organizations. One of the issues discussed by the ILC and of concern to AALCO member states, including Indonesia, is sea level rise.

Study: Local Residents Approve Marine Conservation Areas in Kei to Mitigate Climate Change Impacts

(October 13th, 2023) A new survey conducted on the Kei Islands in Maluku Province found that communities there favor a Marine Protected Area (MPA) covering the southern part of their coast. They say this would significantly reduce the impacts of destructive fishing and climate change experienced in recent years, according to a study by a group of Indonesian researchers published Sept. 16 in the journal Marine Policy.

"When I was in elementary and middle school, I could fish in front of my house facing the beach. Nowadays, there are no more fish within a short distance, you have to go far," study author Wellem Anselmus Teniwut, a researcher at Tual State Fisheries Polytechnic, told Mongabay.

Two Keys to National Marine Space Management

(October 13th, 2023) The Indonesian government is developing two tools that will be key to managing marine space nationally. These are ocean big data and ocean accounting. The two key tools are prepared, to manage Indonesia's marine area which covers 6.32 million square kilometers (km2), with 17,504 islands surrounding it. This was revealed by Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono recently in Jakarta. The development of two key devices is carried out, because in it there are also marine resources and very abundant and high economic value. In addition to the mangrove ecosystem which covers 3.31 million hectares (ha), there is also a coral reef ecosystem covering 2.53 million ha, and seagrass beds covering 293,464 ha. Some of these figures are close to the actual amount, but some are still growing. 

BRIN Cooperates with South Korean KIOST in the Scientific and Technological Sector

(October 10th, 2023) In order to expand and strengthen the network of international cooperation with South Korea, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) established cooperation with the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST). This cooperation was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in the field of science and technology which was held on Monday (9/10), at the BRIN Thamrin office in Jakarta. 

BRIN's Deputy for Research and Innovation Facilitation, Agus Haryono, welcomed the visit of KIOST representatives represented by PARK Hansan, Director of Marine Technology Cooperation Research Center (MTCRC) Korea and Ivonne Milichristi Radjawane, Director of MTCRC Indonesia and delegates.

Seagrass Blue Carbon Mitigation Action Profile Solutions to Overcome Climate Change

(October 9th, 2023) The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) launched the Seagrass Blue Carbon Mitigation Action Profile at the side events of the Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum Summit, Monday (9/10/2023) in Bali. The launch of the document is part of the government's strategy to address climate change and increase the potential of blue carbon. This was emphasized by Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono at the Archipelagic and Island States Blue Economy High-Level Dialogue, Monday (9/10/2023). Trenggono said that as the owner of 17 percent of the world's blue carbon reserves, Indonesia has a great opportunity to utilize the blue carbon ecosystem as a solution to climate change.

AIS Forum Helps Develop ARHEA, an Advanced Drone Made in Indonesia to Monitor Seawater Conditions

(October 8th, 2023) Indonesia is a maritime country with two-thirds of its land area under water. Referring to the results of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), December 10, 1982 in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Indonesia's sea area reached 3,257,357 square kilometers (km2). Likewise, the stretch of coastline reaches 81,290 km or the second longest in the world after Canada. Seeing this reality, there are many challenges to understanding every detail of the characteristics and potential of the archipelago's waters. Indonesia certainly needs data related to oceanographic characteristics not only for national interests, but also to play an increasingly global role. Measurements are important because Indonesian waters have oceanic currents (Indonesian throughflow).

5 Young UB Innovators Create Innovative Heavy Metal Decontamination Technology Based on Electrical Voltage for Fishery Commodities!

(October 5th, 2023) The problem of heavy metal pollution in fishery food commodities has often been found, especially in fish and crustaceans such as shrimp and shellfish. This is correlated with the development of the industrial era 4.0, where many anthropogenic and industrial activities dispose of waste in the surrounding waters, thus having an impact on environmental sustainability. This can be a serious problem, because the levels of heavy metals in consumed fisheries exceed the limits of quality standards for consumption, so that it can cause various serious problems such as cancer, sensory disease, paralysis, and many deaths.