Indonesia sets sail for blue economy with Sweden
Jakarta. Indonesia is making efforts to achieve a sustainable and inclusive use of marine resources – also known as the blue economy – with Sweden.
Both countries wrote a joint statement on blue economic cooperation during the national development planning minister Suharso Monoarfa’s visit to Sweden in October. Sweden also supports the preparation of Indonesia’s roadmap for the blue economy.
“Sweden has been identified as a strategic partner for developing the roadmap for the blue economy in line with Indonesia’s national medium-term development plan 2020-2024,” said Swedish Ambassador to Indonesia Marina Berg at a conference on Thursday.
The sea is crucial for the economy, welfare and prosperity of both countries.
“A competitive, innovative and sustainable shipping sector can help increase employment, reduce environmental impact and an attractive living environment,” said Marina.
“Leadership for the blue economy will be an important issue for Indonesia during its G-20 Presidency, [as] one of the priorities of the development working group “, she added.
According to Suharso, about two-thirds of Indonesia’s territories cover the sea, which covers 6.4 million square kilometers. Indonesia has abundant maritime economic potential, ranging from fishing, tourism to the shipping industry and services.
“It is estimated that Indonesia’s maritime economic potential reaches $ 1.3 billion and could provide jobs to 45 million people,” Suharso said in the same discussion.
The picturesque coral reefs are also crucial for marine tourism, fishing and the development of coastal infrastructure. Suharso revealed that sustainable management of coral reefs could generate an additional $ 37 billion for Indonesia’s economy by 2030.
“Indonesia’s transition to a blue economy is expected to reduce the country’s economic dependence on extractive sectors,” the minister said.
The conference is part of the annual Sweden-Indonesia Sustainability Partnership (SISP) Week. Sweden attaches great importance to promoting sustainability in its diplomatic relations with Indonesia. According to Marina, Sweden is keen to further deepen its ties with Indonesia in the said area.
“We see great opportunities for cooperation to advance the sustainability agenda during Indonesia’s G-20 presidency, and also in 2023 when Sweden holds the EU. [European Union] presidency and Indonesia as president of ASEAN, Marina said when SISP Week 2021 started on Monday.