Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries to immediately organise marine space around IKN
This article has been translated by PwC Indonesia as part of our Indonesia Infrastructure News Service. PwC Indonesia has not checked the accuracy of, and accepts no responsibility for the content.
Investor Daily - KKP segera tata ruang laut di sekitar IKN
23 July 2024
Jakarta, ID – The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries has committed to supporting the development of Nusantara Capital City in East Kalimantan Province. They plan to organise the marine space in Balikpapan Bay according to the blue economy concept, demonstrating their dedication to this initiative.
Marine Space Management Director General of the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry Victor Gustaaf Manoppo highlighted the strategic importance of the Balikpapan Bay area. Its location serves as a crucial support for IKN, which necessitates careful organisation due to its vibrant land activities and high-value coastal and marine ecosystems. This area is home to nearly extinct endemic marine species, such as the Irrawaddy dolphin and the dugong, and supports local fishermen who rely on its marine resources. These factors underscore the need for protection and management. "The Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry is currently preparing the Zoning Plan for the National Strategic Area of Sasamba, which includes the marine space around IKN. Balikpapan Bay falls within this area," Victor stated.
Victor made this statement during Training and Workshop on Marine Spatial Planning to Advance the Blue Economy in Balikpapan Bay held on 17 July 2024. This event is part of the cooperation between the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry and Xiamen University. Participants included representatives from the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry and other relevant ministries and institutions. The workshop is part of an ongoing collaboration with the Fujian Institute for Sustainable Ocean (FISO) at Xiamen University, following a FISO team visit to Balikpapan last February. "The training has produced plans to manage the coast and sea in an integrated manner in Balikpapan Bay until 2026. Additionally, we will also jointly monitor the implementation of the zoning plan," Victor explained in his statement on Monday (22/7/2024).
Dean of FISO at Xiamen University Professor Xue Xiongzhi noted that the process of organizing marine spaces in Xiamen has been ongoing for 30 years. By applying the principles of integrated coastal management, they have been able to achieve a balance between socio-economic development and the sustainability of coastal and marine resources. He expressed hope that the marine space organisation in Balikpapan Bay could benefit from the integrated approach used in Xiamen, China. Acting Marine Space Planning Director of the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry Suharyanto who also participated in the training, added that the marine space organisation efforts in Xiamen offered valuable insights for similar initiatives in Balikpapan Bay.
The cooperation between the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry and both domestic and international universities aligns with the policy of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono. He emphasised the importance of collaborating with various stakeholders to advance marine and fishery development. This collaboration is crucial as organising marine spaces supports the blue economy programme.
