Banyuwangi Showcased as Marine Tourism Management Model at ASEAN-ID Blue Forum

Banyuwangi, East Java, has been presented as a model for marine nature tourism management to ASEAN and Pacific countries during the ASEAN-ID Blue event. The ASEAN-ID Blue is an international forum that brings together ASEAN, Pacific, and partner countries to share experiences in blue economy development, held in Banyuwangi over two days. The Economic Diplomacy Expert Staff at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zelda Wulan Kartika, stated that Banyuwangi was chosen as the host because of its achievements in marine management. She noted that the sea is managed not only for regional economic growth but also to improve community welfare by involving them in managing and preserving the marine environment. New Zealand’s Ambassador to ASEAN, Joanna Anderson, remarked that Banyuwangi shares similarities with New Zealand, where many coastal communities depend on the sea for their livelihoods and food security. Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for selecting Banyuwangi as the host of the ASEAN-ID Blue forum. She said the forum is an excellent opportunity to strengthen Banyuwangi’s marine management practices, especially given the region’s extensive coastline. The ASEAN-ID Blue was initiated by Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, in cooperation with New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. During the event in Banyuwangi, in addition to discussions on marine management, delegates also directly explored local marine potential, including visits to the Merah Putih Fishermen’s Village and Bangsring Underwater.