Highlighting the Strategic Position of Small Islands for the Blue Economy, IPB University Academics Call Small Islands a Source of National Strength

The Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK) at IPB University held the 6th International Conference on Marine Sciences (ICMS) at the IPB International Convention Center (IICC), Bogor (9/17–18). 

During the event, Professor of Coastal and Marine Ecology at IPB University, Prof Dietriech G Bengen, highlighted the strategic position of small islands in realizing Indonesia’s blue economy. 

“Small islands are not remote, marginalized areas, but rather centers of progress for realizing a sustainable blue economy,” he emphasized before hundreds of researchers, academics, practitioners, and stakeholders from within and outside the country who were in attendance.

Prof Dietriech added that Indonesia, as the largest archipelagic country, has vast oceans and thousands of small islands that should be seen as the nation’s strength.

“Let’s see these small islands as living laboratories for the future, where science, technology, policy, and local wisdom come together for sustainability,” he concluded.

The conference, themed “Advancing Marine Sciences for a Sustainable Blue Economy,” was opened by Lead Specialist of the GEF Agency WWF Heike Lingertat. Also present were Dr I Nyoman Radiarta (Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries) and a number of international speakers, such as Dr Huang Wen-Chien (National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan), Prof Waka Sato-Okoshi (Tohoku University, Japan), and Dr Nils Krueck (University of Tasmania, Australia).

In his speech, Dean of FPIK IPB University, Prof Ferdinan Yulianda, emphasized that ICMS-6 is proof of IPB University’s commitment to strengthening the role of science in sustainable development. 

“This conference is not only an academic forum, but also a shared space to find real solutions to Indonesia’s and the world’s maritime challenges,” he said.

He also added that cross-disciplinary and cross-border cooperation is needed to address the complexity of maritime issues. “The blue economy can only be realized if we are able to combine scientific innovation, appropriate policies, and community involvement. No single party can go it alone,” said Prof Ferdinan.

According to him, ICMS is an important momentum to unite the vision towards wiser marine management. “Through this forum, we hope that strategic ideas will emerge that can strengthen Indonesia’s position as a major maritime country with the sea as the center of progress,” he said.

The 6th ICMS took place over two days with hundreds of oral and poster presentations discussing issues such as climate change, marine biodiversity, conservation areas, marine technology, and the blue economy. (Fj) (IAAS/NRA)