MAX: Indonesia Has the Opportunity to Become a Major Global Maritime Economic Power

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Marine Actions Expo (MAX) 2026 hopes that Indonesia has the opportunity to become a major global maritime economic power by adopting the grand theme of the blue economy. “For us, the blue economy must have a much more tangible meaning. The blue economy must mean prosperity for coastal communities, for fishermen, for tour guides, for local operators, and for Indonesia’s maritime youth,” said MAX Co-Founder Aishah Gray in Jakarta on Saturday. Aishah stated that this theme is not merely development jargon or a modern economic term, but a call for Indonesia’s marine wealth to truly bring prosperity to coastal communities and national maritime industry players. She emphasised that the blue economy must be interpreted tangibly, providing direct benefits to fishermen, tour guides, divers, local operators, maritime SMEs, and Indonesia’s maritime youth. Referring to data, Indonesia is considered to have extraordinary potential to become a major global maritime economic power. With more than 17,000 islands, a coastline of around 108,000 kilometres, and world-recognised marine and coral reef wealth, Indonesia’s marine tourism sector continues to show promising growth. However, amid this optimism, MAX carries an important message that industry growth should not leave behind local communities who have long been part of coastal life. In addition to the issue of equitable economic benefits, MAX also highlights the importance of occupational safety aspects in the maritime sector. According to Aishah, industry growth must be accompanied by improved supporting facilities, including access to hyperbaric services and emergency response systems for divers and sea workers. MAX also conveys the importance of fair and pro-local workforce governance. Indonesia is open to global collaboration, but employment opportunities for local instructors, guides, divers, and entrepreneurs must be maintained. MAX Founder Nunung Hasan entrusts the sustainability of this national maritime expo to all stakeholders, as part of efforts to build Indonesia’s maritime industry legacy. “MAX must continue to exist. It must keep living. Because the sea is not only a heritage, but the future of our grandchildren,” said Nunung. Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa assessed that MAX will become a sector leading Indonesia’s maritime industry, including marine tourism. Ni Luh explained that marine tourism has a very broad spectrum, including diving, snorkelling, ecotourism, recreational fishing, marine heritage tourism, and surfing. “Coastal areas contribute around 80 per cent of global tourism activities. This potential is connected to marine ecosystems, local culture, and coastal livelihoods. Therefore, development must be oriented towards quality experiences, economic benefits, and environmental sustainability,” said Ni Luh. Currently, Ni Luh stated that her side is also collaborating with various parties through the Diving Safety Thousand Initiatives programme. The target is to train more than a thousand divers with safety standards in 15 priority destinations. MAX 2026 will be held from 24–26 April 2026 starting at 10.00–22.00 WIB, where visitors can enjoy exhibitions of brands and marine tourism operators, business discussion forums, networking, conservation education, maritime technology, to entertainment programmes and maritime pageants. This event is open to the public and serves as a major momentum for the community to see Indonesia’s blue economy potential up close.