Maritime development must preserve marine biodiversity, says Environment Minister

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Environment Minister and Head of the Environmental Control Agency Moh Jumhur Hidayat stated that development in the maritime sector must still pay attention to the conservation of marine biodiversity. “Development around the sea is not just about islands, not just about tourism, but ships are also sea-oriented. Including fishing is sea-oriented. But what must be remembered is that the development process must remain oriented towards environmental sustainability,” said Jumhur Hidayat at the Indonesia International Environment Technology and Innovation Expo and Conference (Invirotech) 2026 in Jakarta on Thursday. He said the government continues to carry out various efforts to ensure the protection of marine biodiversity. “You may build around the sea, but make sure the coral reefs and mangroves remain and serve as habitats for marine biodiversity,” said Jumhur Hidayat. According to him, maritime sector development carried out by the government, especially after the reform era, has taken marine conservation into account. “Our government, especially post-reform to this day, has begun to think in a sea-oriented manner,” said Jumhur Hidayat. Meanwhile, prominent Indonesian environmentalist Professor Emil Salim assessed that the sea has not yet become a source of livelihood for the people of Indonesia as an archipelagic nation. “Economic life is still land-oriented. There is no sea-oriented economic development. So the Environment Minister needs to develop the sea as a source of livelihood,” said Emil Salim. He also urged the Ministry of Environment to collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, and other related ministries and agencies to make the sea a source of livelihood. Emil Salim also emphasised the importance of carrying out development without damaging the sea. “Can we develop the Republic of Indonesia without damaging the sea? The Minister of Environment needs to invite the Minister of Marine Affairs, the Minister of Fisheries, and all ministers who use the sea as our source of livelihood. Do not let the sea become an object of our lives,” he said.