KKP Gandeng CODF, Improve Indonesia's Spatial Planning

Marine illustration (Photo: dock. Antara)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) cooperates with the China Oceanic Development Foundation (CODF) domiciled in Xiamen, China, to improve spatial planning (Marine Spatial Planning/MSP) as a practical step in regulating the use of marine areas spatially.

This collaboration was jointly signed through the collaboration of "Advancing the Blue Economy Development Through Marine Spatial Planning" by the Secretary of the Directorate General of Marine Space Management of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Kusdiantoro and Vice President and Secretary General of China Oceanic Development Foundation of the People's Republic of China in Xiamen, China.

Kusdiantoro said Xiamen had more than 30 years of experience in coastal integration. China's experience and success in managing marine space can be a reference and replicated in the preparation of zoning plans in the capital city of the archipelago (IKN), especially for the development of the blue economy as well as sustainable marine and coastal development.

"The existence of MSP is very much needed to balance the demands of human activities and the need to maintain the health of the ecosystem which is a place to depend on these activities. This collaboration will further strengthen and support the better sea as well as improve sustainable marine management to support the blue economy through spatial planning," said Kusdiantoro, quoted from the KKP official website, Friday, December 8.

According to Kusdiantoro, spatial planning is responsible for ensuring sustainable ecological, economic and social aspects. Given, the fate of future generations is influenced by commitments to protect and preserve the sea.

Kusdiantoro also emphasized that as the largest archipelagic country in the world, most Indonesians have livelihoods in coastal and marine areas. This means that the aspect of sustainability is an important factor in the development of the marine and fisheries sector.

Therefore, spatial planning must be the commander in chief for the implementation of the activities of all other development sectors at sea.

He added that this cooperation was a follow-up to the Joint Statement between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Indonesia which was signed on November 16, 2022, between the President of the Republic of Indonesia and the President of the People's Republic of China.

On the same occasion, CODF Vice President and Secretary-General Professor Pan Xinchun said, MSP is a means used in implementing integrated coastal management in order to optimize potential resources and promote the blue economy.

"CODF has collaborated with the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission-UNESCO and coastal countries for the development of MSP," he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Deputy Deputy for CODF and Head of CODF Research Prof Dai Minhan said that Indonesia is a partner of cooperation in various fields, including marine technology and MSP.

According to him, 2023 coincides with the 10th commemoration of the Belt and Road Initiative, namely policies and strategies for RRT's foreign strategic partnership.

"Indonesia is a partner of RRT cooperation in various fields, and will now work better together to share the experience, learning and marine technology in the field of integrated coastal management and MSP," he added.