Indonesian Maritime Economic Development Strategy

Indonesian Maritime Economic Development Strategy
Did you know that Indonesia has a comparative advantage compared to other countries in the form of maritime power? Indonesia is a maritime country with an ocean area of ​​3.25 million km2. Of which 2.55 million km2 is the Exclusive Economic Zone. With these advantages, the Indonesian people should be able to make maximum use of them for the welfare of the people. There are five aspects that can become the main capital in supporting the strengthening of the development of a modern maritime state in Indonesia.

  • Strengthen understanding of maritime insight

Confirming understanding of maritime insight can be done by re-growing geographical awareness. Geographical awareness can be understood by providing the understanding that Indonesia is a nation that occupies an archipelago with rich natural resources (SDA) not only on land, but also in the sea with an open and egalitarian maritime cultural value system.

  • Improve the shipping industry

The shipping industry is the main choice for import-export transportation and in fact half of domestic transportation is served by foreign-flagged, non-Indonesian vessels. Through an independent shipping industry, Indonesia can at least become a host in its own country through the application of cabotage principles and the rebuilding of modern and traditional merchant fleets.

  • Marine tourism industry

With the support of its potential, every Indonesian waterway has the opportunity to become the largest marine tourism destination in the world. The reason is that the Indonesian maritime region is the largest part of the ASEAN region which is much richer and has the best charm when compared to other regions, such as the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. This strength can be developed through regional preparation, event development, and deregulation, including CAIT (Cruising Approval for Indonesian Territory) and CIPQ (Custom, Immigration, Port Clearance, and Quarantine), as well as preparing local communities as guides.

  • Spatial planning of maritime areas

This condition requires the creation of an integrated spatial plan between coastal areas, seas and islands to produce synergy and harmony between regions or regions, between sectors and between social strata with an environmental perspective. This arrangement is pursued through the implementation of regional management systems and procedures and infrastructure development. Where the authority lies with the district/city regional government involving the community, coordinated by the governor and central government as facilitators.

  • Enforcement of the maritime legal system

Enforcement can be built with a complete ocean policy, starting from “umbrella” (basic laws) to operational ones, both public law and civil law that accommodate customary law. Apart from that, as the largest maritime country, Indonesia needs to have a maritime justice system (court). Ocean policy is a mandatory and mandatory choice for the government and all components of the nation to prioritize the marine sector in national development policy.

Welcoming ASEAN Connectivity

Another form of policy in the field of maritime economy is welcoming ASEAN Connectivity. Indonesia has prepared five large ports, namely Belawan Port in North Sumatra, Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta, as well as ports in Surabaya, Makassar and Kalimantan. Of the 47 ports that will be developed in ASEAN, 14 of them are in Indonesia. The five large ports are expected to be ready for ASEAN Connectivity and Indonesia actually has an interest in these sea transportation projects. Private sector investment is needed in ASEAN Connectivity projects, especially in transportation infrastructure. Apart from that, in developing the maritime economy a regulatory framework has also been prepared that is suitable for all parties. The regulations of each country in ASEAN are very different, so regulatory harmonization is needed.

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