The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has signed a strategic partnership with Konservasi Indonesia (KI) to enhance marine spatial planning and develop blue carbon ecosystem zones. 

The three-year collaboration is significant in advancing a just, efficient, and sustainable blue economy, integrating both marine and terrestrial spatial management.

The cooperation agreement was signed during a Technical Working Meeting of the Directorate General of Marine Spatial Planning and witnessed by Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono in Jakarta on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.

Under this agreement, the directorate general will lead the planning and preparation of zoning documents for various types of marine areas, including interregional zones, national strategic areas (KSN), and special national strategic zones (KSNT).

“We will also formulate technical guidelines for blue carbon reserves, conduct carrying capacity and cost-benefit analyses, and draft ecosystem profiles for priority blue carbon locations,” Kartika Listriana, Director General of Marine Spatial Planning at KKP, said on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.

She emphasized that marine spatial planning is the foundation of the blue economy and supports the government’s Astacita goals. The plans will be integrated into the National Spatial Plan (RTRWN) to ensure balance between ecological preservation and economic development for social welfare.

“Through this collaboration, we aim to ensure every policy step is grounded in strong ecological principles and supports coastal community welfare. This is a strategic step in accelerating the transformation of the marine sector,” Kartika said.

Konservasi Indonesia will provide technical and data-driven support to the government in identifying and mapping potential blue carbon sites in coastal zones and small islands. The organization will also contribute to detailed zoning plans, blue carbon carrying capacity analysis, and the development of a spatial information system for coastal resource use.

As part of its global commitment to Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), Indonesia aims to expand its marine conservation zones to 97.5 million hectares. Currently, 30 million hectares are protected, with 67.5 million hectares still requiring designation.

“Konservasi Indonesia is working with the government to help designate around 20 million hectares of offshore conservation areas, particularly in West Sumatra and the Banda Sea,” Fitri Hasibuan, Vice President of Konservasi Indonesia, said.

These conservation efforts are not only about environmental protection but also about securing the livelihoods of coastal communities, local populations, and Indigenous peoples through the promotion of nature-based tourism, sustainable fisheries, and overfishing controls.

“The goal of managing 97.5 million hectares of marine areas will have a significant impact on the livelihoods of those living on small islands and along the coasts,” Fitri said.

Beyond technical and scientific elements, the partnership will focus on human resource capacity building at both national and regional levels. Fitri emphasized that integrating scientific approaches, policy development, and community support is key to accelerating blue carbon zone development as a nature-based solution aligned with Indonesia’s national and global climate targets.