Banyuwangi to Host ASEAN-ID Blue Forum on Blue Economy Development

Banyuwangi Regency, East Java, has been chosen as the venue for the international forum ASEAN-ID Blue, which will bring together representatives from ASEAN countries and partner nations to share experiences in blue economy development on 17-18 July 2026. The ASEAN-ID Blue activity 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 (MFAT).

Director of ASEAN Economic Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Adhyanti Sardanarini Wirajuda, stated that the forum aims to strengthen cooperation between ASEAN and partner countries in developing the blue economy. “This forum will be a platform for sharing experiences between ASEAN countries and partner nations. Participants can share practices from other countries to enrich blue economy practices, and in this forum we will also present business actors in the marine sector as well as fishermen who are directly involved,” she said.

Adhyanti explained that Banyuwangi was selected as the host for ASEAN-ID Blue because it is considered successful in demonstrating that marine conservation and community welfare can progress hand in hand. According to her, various initiatives in Banyuwangi show how the fisheries, tourism, MSME, and community empowerment sectors mutually reinforce one another within a regional development ecosystem. “This is the practice that Indonesia wants to share with ASEAN countries and partners. Banyuwangi also consistently drives the regional economy through various cultural and tourism activities,” she added.

Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani said the forum would be a strategic momentum for Banyuwangi to gain valuable experience and learning from ASEAN countries and partners. “There will be many valuable experiences from ASEAN countries and partners that we can learn from, and it is hoped that this forum can open up wider cooperation opportunities for Banyuwangi with ASEAN countries, particularly in the fields of economy and coastal community empowerment,” she said. The ASEAN-ID Blue Forum is expected to be attended by representatives of ASEAN member states, East Asia Summit (EAS) countries, and members of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). The blue economy is a development approach that focuses on the sustainable use of marine and coastal resources to drive economic growth, improve community welfare, while preserving marine ecosystems.