RRI.CO.ID, Banyuwangi - ASEAN delegates praised Banyuwangi's community-based marine management during the ASEAN-ID Blue forum. The appreciation was conveyed in Banyuwangi on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

The delegates visited the Red and White Fishing Village (KNMP) and Bangsring Underwater. They observed how local fishing communities support sustainable fisheries, marine conservation, and coastal tourism.

Banyuwangi Regent, Ipuk Fiestiandani, said hosting the international forum provided valuable opportunities for the region. She said the event enabled Banyuwangi to learn blue economy practices from participating countries.

"We are grateful for the trust and opportunity given by Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Banyuwangi. This forum has become a strategic platform for Banyuwangi to gain new insights and valuable experience in implementing the blue economy from various countries." she said.

Expert Staff for Economic Diplomacy at Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zelda Wulan Kartika, said Banyuwangi demonstrates how local communities translate regional commitments into tangible benefits. She said fishermen's cooperatives, small businesses, and conservation groups are driving meaningful change.

"The next chapter of ASEAN's blue economy will increasingly be shaped by places like Banyuwangi, where fishermen's cooperatives, MSMEs, and conservation groups translate major international commitments into real improvements in people's daily lives." she said.

The delegates also visited Bangsring Underwater, where fishermen transformed damaged waters into a conservation area and ecotourism destination. They joined a coral adoption activity by planting coral reefs to help restore the marine ecosystem.