RRI.CO.ID, Banyuwangi - Banyuwangi’s successful integration of marine conservation and community-driven tourism has earned it the spotlight as the host of the upcoming ASEAN-ID Blue forum, positioning the East Java Province as Indonesia's prime model for sustainable coastal development.

The international event, scheduled for July 17 to 18, 2026, will bring together delegates from Southeast Asian nations and partner countries to share policy blueprints on the blue economy. By showcasing Banyuwangi's localized successes, Indonesia aims to demonstrate how environmental protection and local economic empowerment can synergize rather than conflict.

The ASEAN-ID Blue forum is jointly initiated by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), in collaboration with New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

According to Director of ASEAN Economic Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Adhyanti Sardanarini Wirajuda, the summit is designed to foster concrete, cross-border partnerships in sustainable maritime practices.

"This forum will serve as a platform to share experiences between ASEAN countries and partner nations. Participants can share practices from other countries to enrich blue economy implementation, and in this forum, we will also bring in business actors from the maritime sector and fishermen who are directly involved," Adhyanti said in Banyuwangi on Monday, July 13, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Adhyanti explained that Banyuwangi was selected as the host because of its proven track record in balancing ocean conservation with community welfare. The regency’s local programs showcase a harmonious ecosystem where fisheries, tourism, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and public empowerment reinforce one another.

"These are the practices that Indonesia wants to share with ASEAN countries and partners; Banyuwangi has also been consistent in driving the regional economy through various cultural and tourism activities," Adhyanti added.

Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani welcomed the selection, viewing the international forum as a strategic opportunity for local stakeholders to learn from global peers and attract sustainable investment to the regency's vast coastline.

"In the future, there will be many valuable experiences from ASEAN countries and partners that we can learn from, and it is also hoped that this forum can open up wider cooperation opportunities for Banyuwangi with ASEAN countries, especially in the fields of economy and coastal community empowerment," Ipuk stated.

The ASEAN-ID Blue Forum is expected to be attended by representatives from ASEAN member states, East Asia Summit (EAS) countries, and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).

Under the blue economy framework, countries seek to leverage marine and coastal resources sustainably to drive economic growth, improve livelihoods, and create jobs, while strictly preserving the health of ocean ecosystems for future generations. ***