Jakarta (ANTARA) - Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo on Tuesday pledged to strengthen the capital’s role in developing a sustainable blue economy, saying the province must balance economic growth with protecting its marine and coastal ecosystems.

Opening the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) Network of Local Government Forum 2025, Pramono said Jakarta’s 6,977 square kilometres of sea, 120 kilometres of coastline and 113 islands were critical resources for shaping its future.

The forum, held under the theme “Towards a Sustainable and Inclusive Blue Economy: Linking Climate, Nature and Energy,” fits with Jakarta’s medium-term development plan, which puts environmental protection and blue economy initiatives at the centre of its transformation into a sustainable global city, he said.

The provincial government has introduced an integrated coastal management strategy designed to align spatial planning, tidal flood control and small island management.

Pramono highlighted Jakarta’s potential for international-standard marine tourism, including Ancol, resort-style island destinations and community-based tourism.

He said ecosystem restoration work included mangrove planting, coral transplantation and marine habitat conservation, which also serve as climate mitigation through “blue carbon.”

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In the Thousand Islands, the government is supporting sustainable fisheries, eco-tourism, aquaculture and small-scale marine businesses.

As part of the forum, Pramono launched the “State of the Coast Jakarta 2025” report, which outlines efforts to protect coastal areas, empower communities and promote sustainable ocean development.

He said Jakarta aimed to show that large cities can be environmental leaders rather than liabilities. He added the forum should deliver concrete results, not just policy discussions.

Participants will visit the Thousand Islands for mangrove and coral planting, fish restocking and meetings with local communities.

PNLG is a regional network of local governments in East Asia that promotes sustainable coastal and marine management.

The 2025 forum brought together 200 participants from 24 cities in nine countries, along with government officials, experts, academics, businesses and civil society groups.

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