Advancing Conservation: Indonesia's National Plan of Action for CTI-CFF

Indonesia takes a significant step towards sustainable marine conservation with the commencement of the Workshop on the Formulation of the National Plan of Action (NPOA) for the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF). Hosted at the Grand Mercure Harmoni in Jakarta on January 24, 2024, the workshop is organized by the Secretariat of the National Committee on CTI-CFF Working Groups and Experts, established through a decree by the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investment Affairs, and led by Mrs. Anita Setianingsih from the Directorate General of Marine Spatial Management and Planning (PKRL) of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF).

In her opening address, Mrs. Setianingsih emphasized the inclusive nature of the CTI-CFF, stating that it is not solely the responsibility of the MMAF but belongs to the entire nation. Acknowledging the multidisciplinary approach required, she highlighted the active involvement of various sectors and institutions in the formulation of the NPOA.

Mr. Kusdiantoro, Director-General of Marine Spatial Management and Planning at MMAF and member of the CTI-CFF Committee of Senior Officials from Indonesia, echoed this sentiment, noting that decisions made during the 18th Senior Officials Meeting (SOM-18) have paved the way for Indonesia to begin crafting the NPOA. Aligning with national directives, the NPOA aims to be realistic, executable, and extendable until 2030. It aspires to reintegrate CTI-CFF into national policies, ensuring the effective management of oceans and coral reefs is incorporated into regional development plans, ultimately contributing to the Blue Economy Road Map 2045.

Also present at the workshop were Mr. Agus Dermawan and Mr. Andi Rusandi, both Principal Experts in Marine and Coastal Ecosystem Management (Pengelolaan Ekosistem Laut dan Pesisir - PELP), who have been involved with the CTI-CFF since its inception in 2009. Dermawan and Rusandi assisted in moderating the discussion sessions and in developing the timeline for the formulation of Indonesia's NPOA.

The CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat Program Support team, led by Acting Executive Director Mr. Christovel R.S. Rotinsulu, presented the Regional Plan of Action (RPOA) 2.0. Technical Program Manager (TPM) Mr. Corzzierrah Posala and Monitoring and Evaluation Manager (MEM) Mr. Agostinho Andy Irmawan provided a comprehensive overview of the objectives and targets of the RPOA 2.0, and explained how the Secretariat will support member countries in monitoring progress and achievements.

As Indonesia takes significant strides towards sustainable marine conservation, the workshop served as a pivotal platform for collaboration and commitment, reflecting the nation's dedication to the long-term health and vitality of the Coral Triangle region. A key milestone highlighted during the workshop is the prospective launch of the Indonesian NPOA in September 2024, ahead of the inauguration of the new government. Covering the period from 2024 to 2030, the NPOA will also include reports on activities undertaken between 2021 and 2023.