BALI-The Island of the Gods, Bali, will be the center of world attention because Indonesia is the host for Archipelagic and Islands States (AIS) Forum 2023 on October 11, 2023. This event is a hot topic of conversation among leaders and delegates of island countries, which will be Gather in Bali to formulate innovation and collaboration in an effort to maintain a healthy and sustainable marine.
Secretary of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Investment (Marves), Ayodhia GL Kalake revealed that this forum is not only to answer the challenges of fellow island countries but will also enable innovation and collaboration in opening new markets.
The main objective of this forum is to promote more closely regional cooperation in protecting and preserving marine resources, as well as ensuring economic sustainability for member countries.
“The goal is AIS forum to answer challenges together. However, it does not rule out the possibility of special segments to find new markets, “Ayodhia said.
The Indonesian government has prepared to welcome the arrival of guests enthusiastically because AIS Forum 2023 is a golden opportunity for member countries to collaborate in maintaining vulnerable marine ecosystems.
Ayodhia also stated that members of the AIS Forum are dominated by developing countries that can encourage cooperation to support the blue economy for the usefulness of the community, especially coastal communities.
“In essence, we encourage blue economy, sustainable sea development, including its marine tourism,” he added.
Meanwhile, Assistant Deputy for Maritime Zone and Border Areas of the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investment, Sora Lokita emphasized that the AIS Forum is an initiation of Indonesia to respond to the interests and desires of the community.
Coastal community empowerment will be the main focus in this forum. Many archipelago countries have coastal communities that depend on marine resources for their lives. AIS Forum will discuss efforts to improve the welfare of coastal communities and give them better access to sustainable marine resources.
“There are so many concrete programs and solutions. We don’t want to just talk, we want a concrete program. This is interesting for the island and islands,” Sora explained.
“This is also what makes them comfortable to be able to collaborate with Indonesia,” he added.
Senior Adviser for Climate and Environmental Governance United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Indonesia, Dr. Abdul Wahid Situmorang also added, Indonesia offers solutions that can be used and adapted throughout the country, both advanced and developing.
“Therefore, at the AIS Forum Secretariat today, we gather various solutions that have also been carried out by the Indonesian government, by stakeholders in Indonesia and also stakeholders in the island and other islands,” he said.
Bali as the location of the Summit AIS Forum venue has also begun to feel the excitement of the enthusiasm of the delegation. Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) Bali, I Gusti Ngurah Rai Suryawijaya said, the holding of the Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum 2023 High Level Conference (AIS) forum 2023 in Nusa Dua, Badung Regency, Bali had an impact on the increasing occupancy of hotels in the region Nusa two to above 80 percent.
“There have been many booking. There are eight countries that participated. For (hotels) in Nusa Dua Areas, especially increasing. If Nusa Dua Area is very good above 80 percent (hotel occupancy) for now,” said I Gusti.
*