RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia has announced four new commitments to strengthen sustainable ocean governance at the 11th Our Ocean Conference (OOC) in Mombasa, Kenya, held from June 16–18, 2026.

The pledges highlight Indonesia’s determination to protect marine ecosystems while advancing climate solutions through blue carbon initiatives.

Indonesian Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono outlined the commitments, which include strengthening marine spatial governance, expanding conservation areas, improving management effectiveness, and developing a pilot blue carbon project.

“These commitments affirm Indonesia’s concrete steps in managing marine space, expanding and enhancing conservation effectiveness, and developing nature-based solutions such as blue carbon for climate mitigation,” Minister Trenggono said in a statement on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The commitments are expected to open opportunities for international funding support of up to USD 260 million, directed toward coral reef conservation, marine ecosystem restoration, and the establishment of Ocean Centers.

The first pledge focuses on integrating land and sea spatial planning into national and provincial frameworks, including zoning regulations and the designation of strategic blue carbon areas.

The second commitment involves establishing 700,000 hectares of new marine conservation areas in 2026, part of Indonesia’s long-term target to conserve 30 percent of national waters by 2045.

“This demonstrates Indonesia’s seriousness in safeguarding marine biodiversity and ecosystems while achieving the target of expanding conservation areas to 30 percent of national waters by 2045,” Minister Trenggono emphasized.

The third pledge centers on evaluating the effectiveness of 19.10 million hectares of existing marine conservation areas, ensuring that ecological and social benefits are fully realized for both the environment and coastal communities.

The fourth commitment introduces a pilot blue carbon project, designed as a model for replication across Indonesia to strengthen climate resilience.

Minister Trenggono stressed that ocean governance challenges require cross-border collaboration.

“Indonesia is ready to deepen partnerships with friendly nations, international organizations, and all stakeholders to accelerate real action--moving from commitments to implementation--to keep our oceans healthy and productive for current and future generations,” he sadi.

With these pledges, Indonesia positions itself as a proactive leader in advancing sustainable ocean governance, reinforcing its role in global marine conservation and climate action. ***