KKP Introduces Ocean Calculator to Assess Marine Ecosystem Economic Value

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), together with the World Resources Institute (WRI) Indonesia, has introduced the Ocean Calculator, a geospatial platform based on the Marine Resource Balance Sheet (NSDL) designed to calculate the economic value of marine and coastal ecosystems using scientific data. Director General of Marine Management at KKP Koswara stated that the platform was developed as part of an effort to build ocean accounting, a system that integrates environmental and economic information to support sustainable marine development planning. “We hope this platform will continue to develop and become part of strengthening evidence-based marine policy,” Koswara said in an official statement in Jakarta on Tuesday. He explained that the platform helps calculate the economic value and benefits of various marine ecosystems, such as mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. By utilising geospatial data, satellite imagery, and research results, Ocean Calculator presents information on the condition of coastal ecosystems along with their contribution to coastal protection, blue carbon storage, and community livelihoods. The information generated is expected to serve as a basis for the government and stakeholders in formulating policies, development planning, and more targeted and sustainable management of marine resources. Ocean Calculator has been developed since 2024 by WRI Indonesia together with several universities in Indonesia and Australia with support from the Australian Government through the Koneksi programme. Director of Ecosystem Conservation at KKP Firdaus Agung said the platform underwent initial trials in February 2026. Currently, Ocean Calculator is integrated with the Conservation Data Information System (Sidako) and can be accessed by the public through the sidako.kkp.go.id page. “Ocean Calculator also helps various stakeholders understand the strategic value of marine ecosystems and their contribution to environmental sustainability, community welfare, and economic activities in coastal areas,” Firdaus said. In addition to presenting ecological and economic data, the platform integrates Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) aspects so that users can understand the relationship between ecosystem conditions and community groups that depend on marine resources. Meanwhile, WRI Indonesia Country Director Nirarta Samadhi said Ocean Calculator is expected to become a source of information for the government, academics, communities, and the private sector in supporting sustainable investment and development in coastal areas. Jacqui Lord, a representative from Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), added that the instrument is expected to help assess the benefits of marine ecosystems more comprehensively amid increasing pressures on coastal areas due to climate change and human activities.