KKP Collaborates With China To Manage Underwater Maritime Heritage

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) strengthens collaboration between Indonesia and China in the management of ship sinking objects (BMKT) and the use of innovative technology for the conservation of underwater maritime heritage.

Not long ago, the KKP delegation made an official visit to China to visit various underwater archaeological projects in Yangjiang (Guangdong), Shanghai and Sanya (Hainan).

There, the KKP came at the invitation of the Hainan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, reviewing important sites such as the Nanhai No. I Karam Ship and the Ancient Ship of the Yangtze River No. II, which are evidence of the advancement of Chinese underwater research.

"Synergy between countries is very important to ensure inclusive and sustainable economic growth and maintain the sustainability of the world's marine ecosystem," said Director of Marine Resources of the Directorate General of Marine Management of the KKP Frista Yorhanita in an official statement on Saturday, November 15.

According to him, most of the ship's sinking cargo objects (BMKT) in Indonesian waters came from China, about 90 percent of which were ceramic artifacts.

This is strong historical evidence that the two nations have established maritime trade relationships for centuries. These findings also show great potential for joint research and strengthening science-based maritime diplomacy.

In addition to field visits, Frista became the main speaker in the Hainan Free Trade Port International Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Forum (ISTICF) & Deep-Sea Technology Innovation Conference (DSTIC) and Underwater Archaeology and Marine Heritage Forum at Sanya, Hainan.

In his speech, Frista emphasized the importance of technological innovation to identify and manage marine potential resources, such as renewable energy, biotechnology, salt and shiploading objects.

He said, the collaboration between Indonesia and China in the management of BMKT not only strengthens historical and cultural aspects, but also opens up new economic opportunities.

"This collaboration can be developed in the field of utilizing BMKT in-situ, marine ecological education and empowering coastal communities, so that the benefits can be felt directly by the community," he said.

In addition, Indonesia is developing a Ocean Big Data and Ocean Accounting Command Center system to increase data-based monitoring and decision-making in the management of marine resources.

These efforts are an important part of the implementation of the KKP's blue economy policy (Blue Economy) which includes the expansion of marine conservation areas, measurable fisheries based on quotas and control of marine pollution.

The visit is expected to be a strategic step to strengthen Indonesia's position as the world's maritime center as well as establish technical partnerships in the field of underwater maritime heritage and conservation with China.

"This collaboration is an important momentum to strengthen Indonesia's blue diplomacy, maintain the world's maritime heritage and create sustainable economic benefits for coastal communities," he added.