Nusa Dua, Bali (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian government, as part of its efforts to preserve the seas, has met the target of establishing 20 million hectares of new marine conservation areas.

At the Our Ocean Conference (OOC) 2018 in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Monday, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) highlighted that the policy to establish 20 million hectares of new conservation areas was part of the government`s commitment to encouraging marine conservation.

"Indonesia has prepared its maritime policies and action plans," the president stated.

The policy is, in fact, targeted for 2020, but Indonesia has succeeded in accelerating the establishment of new conservation areas.

This demonstrates Indonesia`s care and concern for marine conservation for the future generation.

Furthermore, President Jokowi elaborated that starting from an OOC agreement related to marine preservation, it will realize Indonesia`s vision as a global maritime axis.

The president added that the government will take small steps and major actions on an international scale in an effort to realize this vision.

"We must begin to dare to make concrete commitments to boost marine conservation," he emphasized.

President Jokowi also invited all countries and stakeholders to carry out marine conservation along with the society.

This year`s OOC is being held in Bali from October 29-30, 2018.

Hosted by Indonesia, the country is keen to demonstrate its leadership in maritime affairs and fisheries, which is in line with maritime diplomacy that the Indonesian government continues to strive for.

Focusing on generating commitments and taking actions to maintain the sustainability of our oceans, the conference is being held for the first time in Asia.

Since its establishment in the United States in 2014, the OOC has successfully generated commitments, totaling around US$18 billion and 12.4 million square kilometers of marine protected areas.

The OOC 2018 will demonstrate significant progress on past commitments and inspire new commitments made for the continuation of more concerted and integrated actions for protecting the oceans.

Reporting by Yuni Arisandy
Editing by Yashinta Difa Pramudyani, Sri Haryati

Reporter: antara
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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