A Meeting on the Validation of the National Guideline for the Management of Provincial Marine Conservation Areas, held in Jakarta on 16 December 2025, brought together national and regional stakeholders to review and refine guidance that will support the management of marine conservation areas at the regional level. The discussion focused on ensuring that the guideline reflects and takes into consideration implementation realities while being responsive to the increasing environmental and climate-related challenges in Indonesia’s conservation areas.

The meeting was opened by Dr. Firdaus Agung, Director of Ecosystem Conservation at the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF), and Ir. Supriyatno, MA, Director of SUPD II at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA). Both highlighted the urgency of strengthening conservation governance amid accelerating climate change and environmental risks.

In his remarks, Dr. Firdaus Agung emphasized the strategic role of conservation in long-term development. “Conservation areas and Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECM) must be managed as part of one integrated system that supports sustainability, resilience, and community welfare,” he said.

The meeting aimed to broaden the perspective of the guideline drafting process by gathering inputs from government institutions, organizations, and regional stakeholders who will directly apply the guideline in their respective conservation areas. This participatory approach is intended to ensure that the guideline is practical, adaptive, and relevant across diverse regional contexts.

Discussions underscored that conservation management should be framed as a long-term investment, rather than a short-term cost. Participants highlighted the importance of linking ecological protection with ecosystem services and sustainable economic benefits, while maintaining environmental integrity.

From the governance perspective, Ir. Supriyatno emphasized the need for a clear and shared reference for regional governments. “This guideline is expected to help regional governments implement conservation mandates more consistently, especially amid evolving institutional arrangements,” he noted.

Technical discussions also addressed persistent challenges faced by regions after conservation areas were designated, particularly related to human resources, institutional capacity, and budget allocation. The National Guideline is expected to provide clearer direction so that conservation management can move beyond designation toward effective implementation.

Participants further highlighted the need for the guideline to support policy advocacy at the regional level, strengthen awareness among governors and regional parliaments, and establish clear mechanisms for public complaints and community feedback.

The meeting was facilitated by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Coral Triangle Center (CTC). As part of the discussion, CTC introduced konservasilaut.id, a digital platform supporting Indonesia’s 30×45 vision to protect 30 percent of marine areas by 2045. Once finalized, the guideline is expected to strengthen regional capacity, improve governance, and support more effective and sustainable conservation management across Indonesia.

Writers: Asia Salsabilla, Bambang Wicaksono, Sylvia Timothius.
Photos: Asia Salsabilla/CTC