Jokowi: Blue Economy Must Be Used As A Pillar Of Growth

President Joko Widodo. (Photo: Doc. ANTARA)

BALI - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said that the potential for the blue economy must be utilized sustainably in order to become a pillar of growth and improve people's welfare.

"The potential of the blue economy is very large in our country, as well as in island and archipelago countries," said President Jokowi, quoted from ANTARA, Wednesday, October 11.

Cooperation in the blue economy sector, he said, must be moved based on the principle that the sea is a source of sustainable and just life.

Based on his discussion with many AIS state leaders, Jokowi said that all agreed that cooperation through the forum mechanism must also be carried out with the principles of equality, solidarity, and inclusiveness.

"Evolved countries and archipelagic countries have the same right to be developed, have the same right to carry out development," said the President.

Indonesia through the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) promoted five main policies related to the blue economy during the AIS Forum 2023 Summit.

The policy includes expanding conservation areas in order to capture more carbon, measurable fishing, sustainable development of aquaculture, monitoring of small and coastal islands, and cleaning up plastic waste at sea by including the participation of fishermen.

Director General of Marine Space Management of the KKP Victor Gustaaf Manoppo said the delegation who attended the 5th Meeting of the Minister of AIS Forum had an interest in implementing the blue economy program initiated by Indonesia.

"All (attracting). Therefore, we invite (implementing the blue economy), they only need to carry it out in their respective countries but with their respective limitations and advantages," said Victor, who represented the Minister of KKP Sakti Wahyu Trenggono because he was unable to attend the meeting.