Koswara, an official of the ministry, in a statement in Jakarta on Sunday, stated that the ministry has launched a seagrass blue carbon measurement manual as a standard technical guideline to strengthen data credibility, conservation effectiveness, and Indonesia’s contribution to climate change mitigation.
"The manual is the first national reference for measuring carbon stocks in seagrass ecosystems throughout Indonesia's coastal areas," Koswara said.
He stated that the manual is an important step in promoting credible, science-based blue carbon governance.
"We need measurable, valid, and accountable data so that Indonesia can play a greater role in climate mitigation and global carbon trading. The manual is an important foundation for strengthening evidence-based conservation actions," he said.
"The utilization of blue carbon must ensure ecosystem sustainability while providing economic benefits to coastal areas," he continued.
He mentioned that Indonesia has a high seagrass diversity, with 15 of the approximately 60 species worldwide living in Indonesian waters. The most commonly found seagrass species are Enhalus acoroides, Thalassia hemprichii, Cymodocea rotundata, and Cymodocea serrulata.
Seagrass ecosystems are known as highly efficient carbon sinks, especially in sediments, which can store carbon for thousands of years if the habitat is maintained.
"Globally, seagrass meadows contribute 10-18 percent of shallow marine carbon stocks despite covering less than 0.2 percent of the seabed (Duarte et al., 2013)," Koswara explained.
However, many seagrass meadows in various coastal areas of Indonesia are currently showing signs of decline due to anthropogenic pressures such as coastal conversion, pollution, destructive fishing practices, and the impacts of climate change.
The damage not only eliminates the ecological function of seagrass but also has the potential to release sedimentary carbon back into the atmosphere, threatening efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The government has issued various strategic regulations, including Presidential Regulation No. 110 of 2025, Ministerial Regulation No. 1 of 2025, and Ministerial Decree No. 52 of 2024, which position seagrass ecosystems as a crucial asset in a conservation- and restoration-based carbon trading scheme.
Another ministry official, Firdaus Agung, said the seagrass blue carbon measurement manual was designed to meet this need by offering integrated guidance from survey preparation through field sampling, laboratory analysis, carbon stock calculation, and data management, with input from researchers, academics, and conservation practitioners.
"The implementation of this manual is expected to improve the quality of blue carbon inventories, boost the efficiency of conservation programs, and strengthen Indonesia's position in international carbon trading mechanisms," he said.
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Translator: Muhammad Harianto, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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