The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the country's vast marine ecosystems by targeting the conservation of 30 percent of Indonesia’s marine area − around 97.5 million hectares (ha) − by the year 2045. 

Known as the 30x45 initiative, this ambitious goal marks a significant step toward long-term marine sustainability.

As part of its initial efforts, the KKP, through the Directorate General of Marine Spatial Management, has established the National Committee for Collaborative Management of Marine Protected Areas and the National Forum for Marine Protected Areas and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (MPA-OECM). This committee serves as a collaborative platform uniting government agencies and marine conservation organizations to enhance the management of protected areas and support the achievement of national conservation targets.

The collaboration brings together multiple partners from the MPA and OECM Consortium, including WWF Indonesia, Coral Triangle Center (CTC), RARE Indonesia, Konservasi Indonesia, Pesisir Lestari, and Rekam Nusantara. The initiative has also garnered support from the Nusantara Nature Conservation Foundation (YKAN).

Firdaus Agung, Director of Ecosystem Conservation at the KKP, emphasized that the committee will focus on developing both national and regional work plans aligned with the 2045 Conservation Vision. Additionally, the committee aims to facilitate the dissemination of conservation information, strengthen cross-sector coordination, and provide technical support and data for monitoring and evaluation of both formal marine protected areas and OECMs.

“With the establishment of this committee, we hope to foster an inclusive, participatory, and equitable marine conservation governance system, building a sense of shared responsibility and ownership,” Firdaus said as quoted in a statement on Thursday, May 15, 2025.

Rili Djohani, Executive Director of the Coral Triangle Center, highlighted the forum’s critical role in bridging coordination among conservation stakeholders. She stressed the importance of data-driven management and collaboration to ensure effective marine protection.

“Through cooperation and data-based management, Indonesia will not only expand marine protection coverage but also enhance the effectiveness of protected area management, positively impacting biodiversity and coastal communities,” Rili said.

Hari Kushardanto, Vice President of RARE Indonesia, pointed out the importance of recognizing OECM approaches in achieving conservation goals. He noted that understanding of OECMs remains limited, despite their potential to add approximately 10 million ha of community-led and customary territory-based conservation areas.

“So far, conservation targets have relied heavily on formal marine protected areas. However, OECMs can ensure that community-led initiatives remain protected and sustainable,” Hari said.

RARE Indonesia’s research indicates that many areas with high conservation value are not yet included in formal protection schemes, though they deserve recognition as OECMs.

Guidelines currently being developed to formally recognize OECMs are expected to pave the way for more community-based conservation models rooted in traditional knowledge and local wisdom.

“We hope to see more community-led conservation efforts, especially those based on indigenous territories and local traditions that have long played a vital role in preserving marine ecosystems,” Hari said.