This is aligned with the mandate of Presidential Regulation Number 110 of 2025 on the Implementation of Carbon Pricing and National Greenhouse Gas Control.
The ministry's Director General of Marine Spatial Planning, Kartika Listriana, said in a statement on Tuesday that the ministry is currently identifying 18 indicative locations for the National Strategic Area Zoning Plan for Blue Carbon Reserves, alongside the designation of blue carbon sites in provinces.
"These locations represent both national and regional interests in managing blue carbon ecosystems, serving as the foundation for carbon pricing and greenhouse gas emission control," she stated.
She explained that coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrass meadows, and brackish marshes play a vital role in carbon sequestration and storage, climate change mitigation, and biodiversity protection, while also holding the potential to boost economic value and the welfare of coastal communities.
Listriana affirmed that her ministry is currently preparing a ministerial decree on the designation of blue carbon locations in Central Java and developing a coastal ecosystem restoration pilot project in the province.
She added that the initiative could also be expanded to other potential sites, particularly in eastern Indonesia.
To strengthen governance, she noted the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries has explored collaboration with various ministries, agencies, businesses, universities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and local communities.
This includes a partnership formalized on February 5, 2026, with the East Indonesia Ocean Foundation (YSIT), which focuses on blue carbon development in coastal areas and small islands, especially in eastern Indonesia.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Office of Maluku Province, Erawan Asikin, noted that in strengthening the blue carbon governance, there are still challenges, including limited scientific data.
He expressed hope that the collaboration would not only offer a tangible impact for the community but also support Indonesia in achieving its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets.
Related news: Indonesia prepares blue carbon zoning for Derawan waters, E Kalimantan
Related news: Indonesia strengthens blue carbon standards for climate action
Related news: Indonesia launches blue carbon roadmap, action guidelines at COP30
Translator: Shofi Ayudiana, Raka Adji
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2026
