During the 2023 ASEAN Blue Economy Forum press conference in Tanjung Pandan, Bangka Belitung, on Monday, Leonardo A.A. Teguh Sambodo, an expert staff at Bappenas, noted that the development of the blue economy requires substantial funding.
Therefore, the government expects the blue economy road map to attract public and private cooperation since the government has a limited budget or fiscal capability to roll out initiatives, he explained.
Moreover, he also expects the people to cooperate with the government in mobilizing funding in the blue economy sector, given that the government cannot reach all elements of society.
For instance, a non-governmental organization (NGO) can more easily carry out advocacy for the protection of the pelagic thresher shark compared to the government.
Meanwhile, the government can make a greater contribution by providing assistance to small and medium industry centers, enabling them to improve their standing.
The government expects all stakeholders to understand the blue economy road map and be inspired to collaborate, said Sambodo.
During the occasion, he also mentioned that the road map is a living document.
This means that there is no specific policy requiring the government to use the document as a reference for other ministries or institutions in formulating strategic plans.
However, he expects the document to be used as a reference for the formulation of the National Mid-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) 2025–2029 and for ministries or institutions developing strategic plans.
Meanwhile, Bappenas's duty is to widely disseminate it to the public, Sambodo added.
Furthermore, he stated that he is awaiting instructions from National Development Planning Minister Suharso Monoarfa regarding the plan to establish the document as a reference.
Bappenas is still awaiting instructions on whether or not to implement this in the form of specific regulation, he informed.
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Translator: M Baqir I A, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Anton Santoso
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