IPB Expert Says New Directorate At KKP Increases Seaspace Competitiveness

Illustration (Photo: Doc Antara)

JAKARTA - Coastal and Marine Ecology Sciences expert from IPB University Prof. Dietriech G Bangen assessed that the presence of the Directorate General of Marine Spatial Planning at the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) was able to increase the competitiveness of Indonesia's marine space.

"Overall, the establishment of the Directorate General of Marine Spatial Planning through Presidential Regulation 193/2024 is a strategic step for the government in optimizing the use of Indonesian marine space in a planned, sustainable, and highly competitive manner," said Dietriech as quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, November 14.

The KKP has divided the Directorate General of Marine and Marine Spatial Management (Ditjen PKRL) into two parts, namely the Directorate General of Marine Spatial Planning and the Directorate General of Marine Management, this is in accordance with Presidential Regulation (Perpres) Number 193/2024.

According to him, there are four important roles of the Directorate General of Marine Spatial Planning, so that the use of marine space runs in a planned, sustainable manner, and in accordance with national interests.

"The Directorate General of Marine Spatial Planning should be responsible for formulating zoning plans that regulate the designation of marine space for various activities, such as fisheries, tourism, conservation, and sea transportation," he also said.

It is hoped that the potential for conflict between users can be minimized, and the use of marine resources becomes more efficient.

Furthermore, it plays a role in supporting investment and development in the sea space. With a clear zoning plan, the licensing process for activities at sea becomes more transparent and structured.

"Furthermore, for the preservation of the marine environment. This Directorate General provides certainty that every use of marine space takes into account aspects of the sustainability of coastal and marine ecosystems, as well as the sustainability of the community's socio-economic (economic sustainability and livelihood). Thus, coastal and marine ecosystems are maintained, and coastal and marine resources remain sustainable and can be utilized by future generations," he also said.

The directorate is also expected to facilitate coordination between marine areas, considering that Indonesia has a large sea area bordering many countries.

He assessed that this new unit plays a vital role in maintaining a balance between the use and preservation of the sea, as well as supporting Indonesia's great vision as the world's maritime axis, as well as being a strategic step to ensure that the implementation of the blue economy runs effectively, is coordinated, and sustainable.

As a new echelon I work unit, according to him again, the unit should be led by a person who has an academic or civil background specializing in structuring or managing marine space, or public policy, coupled with a strong understanding of law enforcement.