"AIS has provided strategic benefits related to calculations of carbon in the oceans and the mangrove forest conservation," he noted in a press conference after the First High-Level Meeting (HLM) of the AIS Forum here on Wednesday.
Indonesia held the 1st HLM of the AIS Forum themed "Fostering Collaboration, Enabling Innovation for Our Ocean and Our Future" on October 10-11.
Through the forum, Indonesia invited archipelagic and island countries to voice their interests and share experiences and best practices for addressing challenges in governing oceans.
According to the president, AIS has impacted coastal communities positively by providing scholarships, a joint funding scheme for research, the AIS Blue Startup Hub, digitalization training for small businesses, and innovative financing development.
Jokowi affirmed that Indonesia is committed to preparing grants for addressing climate change and developing innovations for ocean governance.
Related news: Island nations most vulnerable to climate change: President Jokowi
President Jokowi highlighted the importance of AIS participating countries to keep working together amid the global challenges.
He emphasized that amid the situation of a "divided" world, unity and cooperation among archipelagic and island countries are essential in addressing rising sea levels and sea pollution.
"Indonesia, as a maritime nation, will always be at the forefront in supporting the AIS Forum as an inclusive cooperation (platform) for archipelagic and island countries. For Indonesia, oceans are not 'separators' but unifiers and connectors," he stated.
Indonesia hosted the 1st HLM of the AIS Forum that was attended by 32 out of the 51 participating countries and four international organizations.
Federated States of Micronesia President Wesley Simina, Timor-Leste Prime Minister (PM) Xanana Gusmao, PM of Niue Dalton Tagelagi, PM of Sao Tome and Principe Patrice Emery Trovoada, and Tuvalu PM Kausea Natano, among others, attended the summit on-site.
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Translator: Yashinta P, Kenzu
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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