Indonesia Calls for Strengthening Solidarity Through the AIS Summit

Nusa Dua, Bali – The first Summit of the Archipelagic and Island State Forum (AIS Forum Summit) in Bali has begun. A number of representatives of island and island countries participated in this AIS Forum Summit.

Regarding this matter, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) as Chair of the Meeting demonstrated Indonesia’s commitment to encouraging this forum as an inclusive forum that focuses on the development of island and archipelagic countries.

Through the AIS Summit, Indonesia can also foster cross-country cooperation in efforts to manage and protect marine ecosystems, improve the economy of communities in coastal areas, develop renewable energy resources from the sea, and various other initiatives that support the vision of a sustainable blue economy.

Previously, President Jokowi said that there was great potential for cooperation in the blue economy.

“This great potential can be utilized to encourage maritime cooperation,” said Jokowi.

Meanwhile, Deputy for Maritime Sovereignty and Energy Coordination, Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Jodi Mahardi, said the need for AIS countries to strengthen commitment and solidarity in facing common challenges.

“No one can understand the seriousness and complexity of the problems we (AIS countries) face better than the island and archipelagic countries themselves. And, no one will understand the solutions to our problems better than people who in real life are affected by these problems and have solved them themselves,” said Jodi.

Jodi also emphasized the importance of the AIS Forum as a forum for island and island countries to contribute to bringing resolutions to global problems and raising voices and concerns for island countries. Because this forum belongs to all island and archipelagic countries in the world, regardless of size, location and level of economic development.

“This is a hope for all of us to be able to foster a sense of ownership, a desire to strengthen collaboration, and expand the impact of our collaboration to many other communities in various countries and regions,” concluded Jodi.