SEAToday.com, Jakarta - The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) is strengthening its commitment to expanding marine conservation areas and protecting marine and coastal ecosystems beyond designated conservation zones as part of its blue economy strategy.

Kusdiantoro, Secretary of the Directorate General of Marine and Coastal Space Management at KKP, emphasized the importance of implementing Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECM) to help regional stakeholders identify and validate potential areas for conservation.

“Expanding conservation areas aligns with the Asta Cita second vision and is outlined in the 2025 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) under Presidential Regulation No. 12/2025,” Kusdiantoro stated, as quoted on Antara, on Monday.

OECM connects two priority programs—expanding marine conservation areas and marine spatial planning—by optimizing integrated space allocation for conservation.

Firdaus Agung, Director of Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems and Biota at KKP, explained that OECM is a participatory and inclusive conservation approach that enables ecosystem protection in non-conservation areas through sustainable management.

"OECM allows Indigenous communities, the private sector, and local governments to actively participate in marine conservation," Firdaus added as quoted on Antara.

The approach also supports the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), aiming to conserve 30% of Indonesia’s waters by 2045 (30x45).

Vice President of Rare, Hari Kushardanto, highlighted that OECM fosters inclusive conservation, empowering local communities while ensuring fair distribution of conservation benefits.

“For the government, OECM also strengthens coastal resource governance, improves resilience, enhances food security, and helps reduce poverty,” Hari noted as quoted on Antara

This initiative was discussed at a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) in Manado, organized by KKP in collaboration with conservation partners, including WWF, Coral Triangle Center (CTC), Rare, Yayasan Pesisir Lestari (YPL), Konservasi Indonesia, and Rekam Nusantara Foundation.

Earlier, Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to marine conservation as a key strategy to restore ecosystems and develop sustainable, marine-based economic centers.

Writer: Andi Raisa Malaha Thambas