RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta The Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, in collaboration with the World Resources Institute (WRI) Indonesia, has introduced the Ocean Calculator, a geospatial platform that rapidly, accurately, and scientifically calculates the economic value of marine and coastal ecosystems.

Based on the Marine Resource Balance Sheet (NSDL), the platform utilizes geospatial data, satellite imagery, and research findings to measure the benefits of mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. The information generated serves as a reference for policy formulation, development planning, and the measurable, sustainable management of marine resources.

The Ministry’s Director General of Marine Management, Koswara, said the Ocean Calculator was developed as part of efforts to establish ocean accounting, a system that integrates environmental and economic information to support sustainable marine development planning.

“We expect this platform to continue evolving and become an integral part of strengthening evidence-based marine policies,” Koswara said in a statement in Jakarta, as quoted on the ministry’s official website on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.

A prototype of the Ocean Calculator was introduced at the Ocean Calculator Technical Workshop in Jakarta last week, coinciding with World Oceans Day.

WRI Indonesia has been developing the platform since 2024 in collaboration with several universities in Indonesia and Australia, with support from the Australian Government through the Collaboration for Knowledge, Innovation, and Partnership (KONEKSI) program.

A representative of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Jacqui Lord, highlighted the importance of a tool capable of comprehensively assessing ecosystem benefits, given the increasing pressure on coastal areas from climate change and human activities.

“We hope the Ocean Calculator can become an effective tool to support sustainable ocean and coastal management in Indonesia,” she said.

The Ministry’s Director of Ecosystem Conservation, Firdaus Agung, said the Ocean Calculator was piloted in February 2026 and is now integrated with SIDAKO, making it accessible to the public.

“The Ocean Calculator also helps stakeholders understand the strategic value of marine ecosystems and their contribution to environmental sustainability, community well-being, and economic activities in coastal areas,” he said.

In addition to providing economic valuations of ecosystems, the platform integrates Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) considerations. This feature enables the Government, academics, the public, and the private sector to develop more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable coastal investments and development.

WRI Indonesia Country Director Nirarta Samadhi added that the Ocean Calculator provides comprehensive information to support sustainable coastal investment and development.

Meanwhile, Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono emphasized that ocean management must be based on data and science to ensure economic growth goes hand in hand with environmental sustainability.

The Ocean Calculator, he said, is a concrete step toward strengthening modern, measurable, and sustainable ocean governance to realize Indonesia’s blue economy. ***