Discussing Blue Economy, Himiteka FPIK IPB University Holds Indonesia Marine Summit 2023
In an effort to encourage the utilization of marine resources as a means to promote the global blue economy, a conference called Indonesia Marine Summit (IMS) 2023 with the topic ‘Blue Economy: Through the Lens of Coastal Resources’ was held. This conference was held by the Marine Science and Technology Student Association (Himiteka), Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK) IPB University and was attended by hundreds of participants from various backgrounds, including students, academics, business practitioners, government officials, and environmental activists.
Prof Fredinan Yulianda, Dean of FPIK IPB University appealed to participants to be able to define fisheries and marine issues in supporting the Indonesian economy. He also emphasized the need to think openly regarding problems that occur in the fisheries and marine sectors.
“If optimized, the blue economy can be a win-win solution in the marine sector. With a sustainable and integrated approach, the blue economy can improve the condition of marine ecosystems, encourage economic growth, improve food security, and provide long-term benefits for coastal communities,” he said.
One of the panelists, Prof Indra Jaya, an IPB University expert from the Department of Marine Science and Technology (ITK) said that this blue economy program is a requirement for all Indonesians. There is fundamental marine literacy, which is to work together with communities living in coastal areas with equality and justice.
“Students and academics have an important role to play in utilizing Indonesia’s natural resources. The blue economy does not talk about economic growth but also marine conservation,” concluded Prof Indra.
Other panelists also emphasized that all Indonesians must develop ways in which all parties can work together. Given that Indonesia is a country that has enormous marine potential, so much of Indonesia’s natural wealth comes from the sea, which might be able to support the country’s economic growth.
Similarly, Dr Gellwynn Jusuf, Deputy for Maritime Affairs and Natural Resources, National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) revealed, the concept of blue economy originated from the Djuanda Declaration which stated that Indonesia, with thousands of islands had become a unified territory.
That way, said Dr Gellwynn, natural resources in the Indonesian sea have enormous potential. This is what inspires how the blue sector with great potential, can support economic growth through blue economy programs.
“Basically, it is sea-based, the results of which are conservation for the livelihood of prosperous people. Economic growth must not conflict with conservation, so it must be balanced with the theory of knowledge. Consequently, the agreed-upon blue economy concept comes from the government and is called the Blue Economy Development Framework,” he explained. (SAT/RAT/Rz)(IAAS/MZS)
