Maritime development must preserve marine biodiversity, says Environment Minister

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Minister of Environment/Head of the Environmental Control Agency, Moh Jumhur Hidayat, stated that development within the marine sector must continue to prioritise the conservation of marine biodiversity.

“Development around the sea is not just about islands or tourism; it also involves vessels that are sea-oriented. This includes fishing, which is also sea-oriented. However, it must be remembered that the development process must remain oriented towards environmental sustainability,” said Jumhur Hidayat during the Indonesia International Environment Technology and Innovation Expo and Conference (Invirotech) 2026 in Jakarta, on Thursday.

He noted that the government is continuously undertaking various efforts to ensure the protection of marine biodiversity.

“You may develop around the sea, but ensure that coral reefs and mangroves remain intact and continue to serve as habitats for marine biodiversity,” said Jumrand Hidayat.

According to him, marine sector development undertaken by the government, particularly in the post-reform era, has already taken marine conservation into account.

“Our government, especially from the post-reform era until today, has begun to adopt a sea-oriented mindset,” said Jumhur Hidayat.

Meanwhile, Indonesian environmental figure Professor Emil Salim assessed that the sea has not yet become a primary source of life for the Indonesian people as an archipelagic nation.

“Economic life is still land-oriented. There is no development of a sea-oriented economy. Therefore, the Minister of Environment needs to develop the sea as a source of life,” said Emil Salim.

He requested that the Ministry of Environment collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, and other relevant ministries and agencies to establish the sea as a vital source of livelihood.

Emil Salim also emphasised the importance of conducting development without damaging the ocean.

“Can we build the Republic of Indonesia without destroying the sea? The Minister of Environment needs to invite the Minister of Marine Affairs, the Minister of Fisheries, and all ministers who utilise the sea as our source of life. The sea should not merely be an object of our lives,” he said.