ASEAN Blue Economy Delegation Studies Local Practices in Banyuwangi

An international delegation from the ASEAN-ID Blue forum visited Banyuwangi, East Java, to study local practices in developing a community-based blue economy. The group toured the Merah Putih Fishermen’s Cooperative (KNMP) in Lateng and the Bangsring Underwater conservation area.

Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani stated that the field visit provided delegates with an opportunity to observe firsthand the blue economy practices developed by the local community. The ASEAN-ID Blue forum is an initiative by Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, and New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). It brings together ASEAN member states, East Asia Summit (EAS) members, and Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) members to share community-based blue economy development practices.

During the visit to Bangsring Underwater, delegates observed marine conservation efforts undertaken by coastal communities, including coral reef rehabilitation and ecotourism development. Zelda Wulan Kartika, Expert Staff for Economic Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, remarked that the future of ASEAN’s blue economy will be significantly shaped by local-level practices such as those developed in Banyuwangi. She emphasised that fishermen’s cooperatives, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and conservation groups play a crucial role in translating intergovernmental cooperation commitments into real benefits for the community.