As part of its commitment to global biodiversity goals, Indonesia continues to refine its approach to expanding marine conservation areas through the national Blue Economy framework. A key step in this direction was the National Coordination Meeting on Policies and Strategies for Expanding Marine Conservation Areas through Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) in the Context of 30×45, held in Manado, North Sulawesi, on March 12–13, 2025.

Organized by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) in collaboration with the MPA & OECM Consortium, the two-day meeting brought together government officials, conservation practitioners, academics, and civil society actors to align national strategies with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). The discussion centered on Indonesia’s priority to conserve 30 percent of its marine waters by 2045 through the effective implementation of MPAs and OECMs. The strategy also supports broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 on marine conservation and SDG 17 on sustainable partnerships.

As a member of the MPA-OECM Consortium, the Coral Triangle Center (CTC), represented by Senior Program Manager Dr. Hesti Widodo and Policy Coordinator Bambang Wicaksono, joined the meeting to contribute to the strategic dialogue on marine conservation expansion in Indonesia. Drawing on its extensive experience in marine resource management and capacity building, CTC participated in discussions focused on strengthening field-level implementation and aligning national policies with global conservation targets.

The event opened with a series of presentations that outlined Indonesia’s current policy landscape and reaffirmed national commitments to marine conservation. Dr. Kusdiantoro, Secretary of the Directorate General of Marine Spatial Management (DJPKRL), presented the legal and conceptual framework for OECMs, emphasizing their potential to complement existing MPAs. Muh Firdaus Agung Kunto Kurniawan, Ph.D., Director of Aquatic Ecosystem and Biota Conservation (KEBP), shared how the principles of the Blue Economy are being operationalized under the 30×45 framework, underscoring the importance of inclusive, multi-stakeholder collaboration. 

The meeting also acknowledged the economic dimension of marine conservation, noting that USD 2.4–3.4 billion is required to support MPA and OECM expansion—an investment expected to yield significant socioeconomic returns, though access to funding remains limited at the local level. A presentation by the Ministry of Home Affairs emphasized the importance of aligning local government budgets with national conservation goals using the correct program nomenclature. It was revealed that South Sulawesi and Maluku are leading in marine and small island budget allocations, with IDR 9.5 billion and IDR 5.4 billion respectively. Accurate coding and performance-based indicators were highlighted as essential for accountability and measurable conservation outcomes.

The second day of the meeting focused on models of implementation at the provincial level. Speakers from the marine and fisheries agencies of North Sulawesi, Maluku, and Southeast Sulawesi shared regional experiences and innovations, including community-led initiatives that may qualify as OECMs. These were complemented by a presentation from Rare Indonesia, which highlighted behavior change strategies and community empowerment as key to long-term success. Case studies emphasized local governance and traditional practices, such as Sasi in Maluku, Mane’e in North Sulawesi, and a fisheries-focused network in Southeast Sulawesi covering 151,000 hectares of potential OECM areas outside existing conservation zones.

Participants underscored the urgency of building a clear and inclusive national roadmap that accommodates Indonesia’s ecological diversity and social contexts. Discussions throughout the meeting echoed the need for stronger institutional collaboration, knowledge sharing, and local capacity development to achieve the 30×45 target. As part of the coordination meeting, facilitators led seven mapping and strategy exercises with representatives from eight provinces, aiming to identify new MPAs and OECMs and refine provincial strategies to align with the national spatial expansion roadmap.

To date, 2.5 million hectares of OECMs have been mapped to complement Indonesia’s goal of 97.5 million hectares of MPAs by 2045. A total of 74 new OECM locations were identified in Maluku alone, prompting a follow-up mapping session to be held during the Maluku NGO Forum’s annual meeting. The process will continue with a second national coordination session planned for April 2025 in Bali.

Writers: Asia Salsabilla/CTC, Hesti Widodo/CTC, Bambang Wicaksono/CTC

Photos: Rare Conservation