BALI-The Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum (AIS) High Level Conference held in Bali on 10-11 October 2023 became Indonesia’s momentum as an archipelago to demonstrate commitments in implementing a blue economic strategy to the international world.
In this context, the “Blue Economic Strategy” refers to the sustainable development approach that focuses on the management and utilization of marine resources in a sustainable manner. In addition, the AIS Summit will also be committed in overcoming the issue of climate change.
Climate change is a significant global threat, and its impact is greatly felt by island countries that are vulnerable to increase in sea level, tropical storms, and other climate change phenomena.
This was said by Padjadjaran University researchers who were also representatives of Indonesia in AIS RND Conference 2023, Alexander Muhammad Khan.
In the context of AIS Forum 2023, focus on the challenges of climate change includes efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adaptation to climate change that has occurred, and preservation of marine ecosystems that can act as natural carbon absorbers.
“AIS Forum will be an island and archipelago forums facing common enemy (joint problems), such as rising sea levels and climate change. Efforts to be more coordinated, structured, and sharp. So it is no longer sporadic, “he said.
“Therefore, with a communication forum such as The Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF) and now AIS Forum, these problems are framed as a common interest that can be shared and managed together,” he continued.
Alex assessed that Indonesia’s steps were appropriate in raising other countries to solve problems together.
The existence of communication forums such as The Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF) and AIS Forum provides very valuable platforms to overcome complex problems related to marine and islands.
“Indonesia has on the Right Track initiating the formation of CTI-CFF in 2009 and AIS Forum in 2018. This shows the vision and leadership of Indonesia at the global level, especially in marine issues,” he said.
With this approach, island and archipelago countries can manage joint problems more effectively and sustainably. This cross-border cooperation opens the door for innovation, community-based solutions, and sustainable growth in vulnerable and important regions for global survival.
“So it is not one man show, not just one country, but it becomes a common thing, together with Indonesia and island and islands in the AIS forum,” Alexander said.
Even as a form of commitment to advance the blue economy sector, Deputy for Coordinating Maritime and Energy Sovereignty, the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investment (Kemenko Marves), Jodi Mahardi expressed the Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) forum ready to support the island and island countries with issuing a blue bond (Sovereign Blue Bond).
“We realize that cross -stakeholder cooperation is needed to facilitate global transitions towards a more sustainable marine economy,” Jodi said.
With this guide, he said, economic actors in all sectors will be easier to see opportunities and take a role by investing in a sustainable manner in the domain of the blue economy.
He further said that this document also became one of the references of the Indonesian government through the Ministry of Finance issuing government blue bonds.
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