RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is positioning itself as a major player in the global carbon market by leveraging its extensive "blue carbon" ecosystem, mangroves, seagrass meadows, and coastal wetlands, which store significant amounts of carbon.

The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries aims to launch pilot projects that could enter the carbon trading market by 2027, according to Director of Coasts and Small Islands at the ministry's Directorate General of Marine Management, Ahmad Aris.

He stated that at least one to two pilot projects based on seagrass and mangrove ecosystems are expected to enter the market by 2027.

“Ministerial targets are focused on 2027 as a milestone. We hope to have pilot projects in both seagrass meadows and mangroves. Carbon projects take time, from preparation to validation and verification,” he said during a press conference in Jakarta on Monday, February 23, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Indonesia holds approximately 17 percent of the world’s blue carbon ecosystems, providing a significant opportunity to participate in global carbon trading. With its maritime territory covering nearly three-quarters of the national area, the country’s blue economy is estimated to be worth around USD 1.3 trillion.

The large blue carbon reserves could translate into substantial economic benefits as international demand for carbon credits rises.

Aris highlighted seagrass ecosystems as a priority because they are not yet included in Indonesia’s second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement.

“National seagrass area data already exists, totaling 660,000 hectares. The calculation methodology is in place, but implementation has not yet occurred. Currently, we are assessing potential emission reductions,” he continued.

Aris emphasized that blue carbon trading is not only about carbon value but also the ecological functions of coastal ecosystems.

To support the 2027 target, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, together with other ministries and agencies, is drafting implementing regulations under Presidential Regulation No. 110/2025 on the Economic Value of Carbon Instruments and National Greenhouse Gas Emission Control.

These regulations are expected to be finalized by June 2026, enabling the maritime sector to adapt to policy changes.

The ministry has also designated 18 indicative locations for the Blue Carbon National Strategic Area Zoning and Provincial Blue Carbon Sites, including waters off Kotabaru (South Kalimantan), Derawan Islands (East Kalimantan), Tanimbar Islands (Maluku), Toli-Toli waters (Central Sulawesi), Supiori Island (Papua), Lingga waters (Riau Islands), and northern Java waters (Central and East Java). ***