Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister for National Development Planning, Febrian Alphyanto Ruddyard, has emphasized that the ocean is the lifeblood of Indonesia’s economy and underlined the need to optimally manage its potential.

“As the world’s largest archipelagic country, we must understand that the ocean is not merely for display or statistics; it is the lifeblood of Indonesia’s economy,” he said during the grand launch of the United Indonesia Global Compact Network (IGCN) Ocean Centers here on Tuesday.

He informed that 45 percent of global trade, valued at US$15 trillion, passes through sea routes, including through Indonesian waters.

Indonesia has a maritime area of 6.4 million square kilometers, the world’s second-longest coastline, and recorded a fish catch volume of nearly 7 million tons this year, he informed.

If managed properly, Indonesia’s marine potential can serve as a key driver of the national economy through three main pillars, namely the blue economy, blue food economy, and blue carbon.

Ruddyard stressed that the government’s goal is not merely to take from marine commodities, but also bolster regeneration that ensures the sustainability of marine resources.

“One uncompromisable thing is about safety, which consists of human safety, asset safety, environmental safety, and what is equally important is cultural safety, which must be at the center of all maritime strategies,” he said.

He added that the blue economy is a part of the major development agenda of the 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN). The policy aligns with Indonesia’s long-term economic road map.

To leverage the economic potential of the maritime sector, Indonesia is focusing on maximizing ocean potential, improving maritime governance, strengthening the fisheries industry, expanding conservation and ecosystem services, optimizing maritime logistics, boosting marine tourism, developing renewable energy, and driving innovation in ocean-based technologies, among others.

“We want our ocean to be a source of food, energy, water, and ecosystem stability, all for the benefit of the people,” he affirmed.



Related news: Indonesia showcases small-scale fisheries success at UN Ocean meet

Related news: Indonesia reaffirms sustainable ocean management commitment at UNOC-3

Related news: RI invites Monaco for Ocean Impact Summit 2026 in Bali