Invite WEF Davos Participants to Restore the Marine Ecosystem, Minister of Environment and Forestry Showcases Indonesia's Expansion of 30 Million Hectare of Marine Conservation

JAKARTA - Indonesia calls for global action to restore marine ecosystems from the impact of climate change, pollution, to illegal fishing practices.

This was conveyed by the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) Sakti Wahyu Trenggono in the Velocity of the Blue Economy forum, part of the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026, in Davos, Switzerland, Thursday, January 22 local time.

Minister Trenggono stated that global action was important because marine damage was a serious threat to the world.

"Our oceans face serious threats, ocean warming, increasing acidity, declining fish stocks, and marine pollution. Our oceans call on us all to act together to save, and manage it with responsibility," he said in a press statement from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry in Jakarta, Friday, quoted by Antara.

Minister Trenggono stated that Indonesia as an archipelago country confirms its commitment to lead global efforts through the Blue Economy program.

He said the Indonesian government had expanded marine conservation areas to more than 30 million hectares, with a target of reaching 97.5 million hectares by 2045.

The fishing catch quota system is also said to be being prepared to suppress overfishing and illegal fishing practices.

In addition, Minister Trenggono said that fisheries were developed innovatively, sustainably, and inclusively to improve people's welfare while maintaining food security.

He added that coastal areas and small islands were also protected from economic activities that could potentially damage the ecosystem.

Minister Trenggono emphasized the importance of the coastal ecosystem as a blue carbon absorber.

Indonesia is said to have the largest blue carbon reserves in the world, storing around 17 percent of global reserves.

"This coastal ecosystem is a very important carbon absorber, plays a role in regulating the global climate and maintaining marine health," he said.

During the forum, Minister Trenggono also announced that Indonesia will host the Ocean Impact Summit (OIS) 2026 which will be held in June in Bali.

This global meeting will bring together world leaders, business actors, and experts to generate concrete actions in sustainable ocean governance.

In the same session, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas emphasized that the blue economy is not only about economics, but also competitiveness and security.

The European Union is pushing for the use of alternative fuels in the maritime sector to reduce carbon emissions.

"What we are preparing in the European Union is the EU Strategy for Ports and Maritime Sectors, which will answer all current challenges, including the development of the blue economy," he said.

The Velocity of the Blue Economy Forum was attended by representatives of the countries and global organizations of WEF 2026 participants.

The issue of the ocean is the main focus, marked by the launch of the Blue Davos initiative and the designation of 2026 as the Year of Water - an integrated step to maintain economic stability, climate and food resilience.