Potential for Marine Tourism in the Region is Quite Large but the Implementation of Blue Economy is Still Timpang

The 2025 National Strategic Dialogue discusses tourism potential to the implementation of blue economy in the region. (doc. JMSI)

Various coastal areas and islands in Indonesia have great marine tourism potential, ranging from natural beaches, marine ecosystems, to local cultural wealth.

However, this potential has not yet fully provided optimal economic impact for the local community because it still faces challenges in management, infrastructure, and policy synchronization between the central and regional levels.

This condition reflects a broader problem in the development of the national blue economy. Not because of a lack of ideas or strategies, but because of the gap between policy formulation at the central level and its implementation in coastal areas, islands, and border areas.

The issue came up in the National Strategic Dialogue entitled "Indonesia's Blue Economy: Bridging National Policy with Regional Implementation" which was held by the Indonesian Cyber Media Network (JMSI) Center together with Beyond Borders Indonesia and the East Nusa Tenggara Regency Government at Sahid University, Jakarta, Thursday, January 15.

The Chairman of the Central JMSI Teguh Santosa emphasized that the blue economy concept will not provide real benefits if it only stops as a policy document. He assessed that regional media have a strategic position to ensure that the policy is actually running in accordance with field conditions.

"Regional media is not just a communicator of information. It is a curator of development narratives. From there, policies are tested, escorted, and ensured to run," said Teguh.

He added, JMSI strives to be a bridge for regional aspirations, especially coastal areas and outermost islands, so that they are not marginalized by development approaches that are too centralized. Dissemination of cross-regional content and commitment to journalistic ethics are important roles that continue to be strengthened.

This strategic dialogue presents a number of experts from various backgrounds, including Professor of the University of Indonesia Martani Huseini, Professor of the AUP Polytechnic Maman Hermawan, and the Regent of Southeast Maluku Muhammad Thaher Hanubun as the main speakers. The discussion was followed by academics, students, journalists, and JMSI members from various regions.

In his presentation, Hanubun raised Southeast Maluku as a real picture of an area with great blue economic potential but has not been fully developed. He said the Kei Islands have natural marine wealth as well as social value strength rooted in the philosophy of Ain ni Ain, which means we are all brothers.

"Kei tourism is not only about beaches and the sea. There is an identity, there is culture, and Langgur is the gateway to everything," he said.

Based on data from the Maluku Tenggara Regency Government, the number of tourist visits to the Kei Islands has increased throughout 2025, with the busiest period occurring from July to October. A number of flagship destinations that are most visited include Soindrat Waterfall, Bukit Indah Bombay, Ngurtafur Beach, and Ngurbloat Beach.

Meanwhile, the Acting Head of the East Nusa Tenggara Tourism Service, Victor E. Budhi Toffi, emphasized that Langgur not only serves as a stopover city, but also as a transportation center, logistics distribution, and the starting point for a tourist experience for visitors who come to the Kei Islands.

This dialogue confirms one important conclusion: without the active role of regional media in monitoring policies and voicing local realities, the blue economy has the potential to stop being a mere slogan. Through its media network, JMSI encourages local media to no longer be on the sidelines, but to become a driving force for the development of Indonesia's coastal areas.