Jakarta – Indonesia will be the center of world attention, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said that Indonesia is ready to make the 2023 Archipelagic and Islands States (AIS) Forum Summit a success which will be held in Nusa Dua, Bali on 10-11 October 2023 by inviting a number of island countries and islands and several international organizations.
This year, the 2023 AIS Forum carries the theme “Fostering Collaboration, Enabling Innovation for Our Ocean and Our Future”. The agenda for the meeting will focus on three main aspects, namely blue economic development, the challenge of climate change, and solidarity between island and island countries in resolving maritime conflicts.
This activity is proof that Indonesia is seen and recognized as an archipelagic country by other countries. Of course, it will have a positive impact on Indonesia because it is involved in discussing maritime-related issues. This was conveyed by the Professor of Social and Political Sciences at the Indonesian Christian University (UKI), Prof. Angel Damayanti, Ph.D.
“I see this as a very positive thing because Indonesia is recognized and seen as an archipelagic country. “This means that Indonesia’s reputation is seen as very positive because it has an important role and is involved in resolving maritime issues and various potential threats at sea,” he said.
Meanwhile, Prof. Angel Damayanti added that the 2023 AIS Forum Summit held in Indonesia will have a positive impact on the national economy.
“Indonesia hosting the 2023 AIS Forum Summit could have a big impact on the national economy, which means this event will boost the economy, especially in Bali. “For example, hotels will be fully occupied by guests from delegation countries, the creative economy and MSMEs can also be promoted,” he added.
Furthermore, Prof. Angel Damayanti hopes that after the 2023 AIS Forum Summit is held, Indonesia’s maritime affairs can be maximized because Indonesia’s seas are very rich in potential Natural Resources (SDA).
“Just from the surface, it can be used as marine energy which is very promising. Then, from within the sea, marine biota can be used as a source of income such as fish, shrimp, crabs, lobsters and other marine biota. Then, the seabed can be used more optimally, such as natural gas and oil. Meanwhile, the beach can also be used as a creative economy platform so that Indonesian tourism will develop very rapidly. “If it is not utilized and managed well, it is a shame that we are wasting this potential,” he said.
For this reason, with Indonesia hosting the 2023 AIS Summit, it is hoped that it will be beneficial for Indonesia itself and other island and archipelagic countries, as well as being the right momentum to show Indonesia’s maritime progress process in the eyes of the world so that Indonesia’s opportunities to advance maritime affairs will be even greater. .