On August 15, 2025, Coral Triangle Center (CTC) and the Maluku Province Marine and Fisheries Department officially signed the extension of their Cooperation Agreement (Perjanjian Kerjasama or PKS) for the period 2025-2028. The agreement was signed by CTC’s Executive Director, Rili Djohani, and the Head of the Maluku Province Marine and Fisheries Department, Dr. Ir. Erawan Asikin, during a formal ceremony that celebrated years of collaboration and the promise of new initiatives in the years ahead. This renewed commitment underscores the importance of working hand in hand to ensure that Maluku’s extraordinary marine resources remain healthy, productive, and resilient.

Maluku is home to some of the richest marine biodiversity in the Coral Triangle, a region known globally as the epicenter of marine life. Its waters are a vital source of food, a means of living for local communities and play an essential role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems across the broader region. By extending this partnership, both CTC and the Maluku government are reinforcing their dedication to protecting these resources for the benefit of current and future generations.

The new agreement builds upon past achievements while setting clear priorities for the future. It focuses on strengthening the management and networks of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), promoting sustainable fisheries within these areas, and preserving local wisdom such as Sasi, a customary practice that regulates the use of natural resources to allow ecosystems time to recover. The agreement also supports the growth of sustainable tourism that provides economic opportunities while safeguarding marine and coastal habitats. Another important aspect is the identification and strengthening of Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs), which complement existing MPAs and expand the reach of conservation across the province.

Through these efforts, the partnership blends scientific approaches with cultural traditions and community-based practices, creating a holistic model for marine conservation. This approach not only safeguards biodiversity but also ensures that conservation contributes to social and economic well-being.

By renewing this Cooperation Agreement, CTC and the Maluku Province Marine and Fisheries Department are sending a clear message: protecting Maluku’s marine ecosystems is not only an environmental priority but also a cultural, social, and economic one, by supporting local livelihoods, traditions, and community well-being. Together, we are charting a path toward a sustainable future in the heart of the Coral Triangle.

Writer : Kayla Azzahra, Kasman
Photos : Rili Djohani/CTC, Adam Putra/CTC, Purwanto/CTC