23 February 2024 - Technical Assistance II
The participation of Tanti Harlianti, a Policy Planner for Economy and Natural Resources at Bappeda of West Java Province, in the Workshop on Sharpening the Measurement of the Indonesian Blue Economy Index (IBEI) was a timely opportunity. This workshop, organized by the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas with the support of ARISE+ Indonesia on 15-16 February 2024, was particularly relevant as Bappeda West Java is in the midst of preparing the Regional Long-Term Development Plan for 2025-2030. "This invitation presents a valuable opportunity for us, as we are integrating the blue economy into West Java's development planning to drive economic transformation," Tanti remarked.
West Java, with 30% of its area being marine, holds significant potential for leveraging the blue economy to foster sustainable economic growth and poverty alleviation. The provincial government's commitment to prioritizing the blue economy aligns with national development objectives, where it is considered a key sector.
"At the IBEI workshop, we discussed the indicators for assessing the performance of the Blue Economy, especially in the region," stated Tanti, who oversees planning for the fisheries and marine sector.
Tanti praised the Blue Economy measurement tool developed by Bappenas in collaboration with ARISE+ Indonesia, citing its comprehensiveness as it involves cross-sectors such as the environment, economy, and social aspects. Tanti noted that the indicators enable regions without a sea to implement the blue economy principles through their inland fisheries sector.
However, Tanti emphasized that further refinement and adjustment of indicators are still needed to reflect regional characteristics. "The values of the indicators must be adjusted to be more accurate in describing the condition or performance of the blue economy in the region," she added.
During the opening of the workshop, Teguh Sambodo, Expert Staff for Development of Leading Sectors and Infrastructure at Bappenas, stated that the third IBEI workshop aims to socialize the IBEI, which has been prepared by Bappenas in collaboration with ARISE+ Indonesia for approximately one year, to local governments for the future development of blue economy strategies in the regions. A second socialization workshop was held in November 2023, aiming to gather inputs from ministries and institutions that were used to enhance the IBEI.
"Although the IBEI has already comprehensively measured regional progress, future adjustments are still needed to ensure it remains relevant and can capture regional character," Mr Teguh said.
The workshop brought together officials from various sectors within Bappenas, representatives from local governments, and ARISE+ Indonesia Blue Economy team.
Wahyu Wijayanto, Director of Industry, Tourism, and Creative Economy at Bappenas, emphasized the significance of the workshop in light of Indonesia's commitment to implementing a blue and green economy. This commitment underscores the vital role of the blue economy in Indonesia's efforts towards sustainable development and economic transformation aimed at achieving Indonesia's Vision 2045.
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