Why is Indonesia Called a Maritime Country? Here are 7 reasons
Why is Indonesia Called a Maritime Country? Here are 7 reasons
Why is Indonesia called a maritime country? Most of Indonesia’s territory consists of sea rather than land. With more than 17,000 islands spread throughout the archipelago, Indonesia has abundant natural wealth in the marine sector. This has a significant impact on life and the economy of this country.
One of the reasons why Indonesia is called a maritime country is the natural resources it has. Indonesia’s oceans are rich in various types of fish, mineral resources such as oil and gas, as well as renewable energy potential such as geothermal energy and sea breeze. This is an important asset in the country’s economic development, especially in the fisheries, mining and energy sectors.
Apart from that, the reason why Indonesia is called a maritime country is its enormous maritime tourism potential. With the natural beauty of the underwater world, exotic beaches and high marine biodiversity, marine tourism has become a strategic sector in economic development and promotion of Indonesian tourism internationally. The following is a further review of why Indonesia is called a maritime country
Maritime State Concept
A maritime country is a country that has geographical characteristics that are dominated by the ocean, where the area of its ocean is larger than its land area. This understanding refers to the strength and potential that the country has in terms of shipping, maritime trade and utilization of marine resources. In the Big Indonesian Dictionary, maritime is defined as matters relating to the sea, especially those relating to shipping activities and maritime trade.
A maritime country has the ability to utilize the resources of its oceans, such as fisheries potential, renewable energy (such as geothermal energy and sea breeze), as well as mining potential such as oil and natural gas. Apart from that, maritime countries also often have advantages in the marine tourism sector, with the beauty of the underwater world, exotic beaches and high marine biodiversity.
In a broader context, the concept of a maritime state is not only limited to military and naval power, but also includes all aspects of activities related to the sea or maritime affairs. This includes managing the marine environment, regulating maritime regulations, protecting marine resources, and developing infrastructure that supports maritime connectivity.
The importance of developing the concept of a maritime state lies in the economic, strategic, social and environmental potential possessed by countries that have extensive maritime territories. Therefore, sustainable management and utilization of marine resources is the main key in maintaining economic and environmental sustainability for countries that rely on marine wealth.
Based on the explanation that has been outlined, the reason why Indonesia is called a maritime country is because this country has characteristics that are suitable as a maritime country. Here are several concrete reasons why Indonesia is called a maritime country.
- Geographical Location of Indonesia
The reason why Indonesia is called the first maritime country is that Indonesia is located between two large oceans, namely the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, giving this country a strategic position as an important sea trade and transportation route. This affects Indonesia’s economy and trade significantly, with maritime trade activities being the backbone of this country’s economy.
Its position at the transition between the Indian and Pacific Oceans makes Indonesia a meeting point for various international shipping routes. This strengthens Indonesia’s role in global logistics and allows it to become an important hub in the distribution of goods and trade between countries.
Indonesia’s archipelagic shape with more than 17,000 large and small islands also strengthens its identity as a maritime country. Large islands such as Kalimantan, Sumatra, Java and Papua are examples of Indonesia’s geographical wealth which make a major contribution to the life and economy of this country.
- Sea Area
Indonesia has a very large sea area which includes the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), territorial sea, and other sea areas under Indonesia’s jurisdiction. Indonesia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) includes the sea zone around islands that border the mainland and covers extensive waters. It is estimated that Indonesia’s EEZ area reaches more than 5.8 million square kilometers, which contains significant natural resources such as fisheries, oil and natural gas.
The existence of this vast sea area gives Indonesia abundant access to diverse marine resources, and influences economic activities such as fisheries, sea transportation, marine tourism and other marine industries.
With the combination of its strategic geographical location and vast sea area, Indonesia deserves to be called a maritime country. Its existence not only affects the economy and trade at the national level, but also has an important impact in the context of international trade and global maritime activities.
- Abundant Marine Resources.
Indonesian Nature Tourism Enlarge The bright blue sea of Raja Ampat.
The next reason why Indonesia is called a maritime country is its abundant marine resources. As the largest archipelagic country in the world, Indonesia has a very large sea area and is rich in various types of resources. This includes abundant fisheries wealth, with Indonesian seas being home to various types of fish, shrimp, shellfish and other marine biota. Fisheries are a major economic sector and an important source of protein for the Indonesian population, showing how important the sea is to the life and economy of this country.
- Marine Tourism
Marine tourism is one of Indonesia’s great potentials bec
ause of its extraordinary underwater and coastal natural wealth. Surrounded by oceans rich in marine biodiversity, coral reefs and beautiful beaches, Indonesia offers an attractive marine tourism experience for local and foreign tourists. The world’s best diving destinations, beautiful coral reefs and diverse marine life make Indonesia a paradise for divers and underwater life enthusiasts.
- Undersea Biodiversity
Indonesia has very rich marine biodiversity. Its underwater ecosystem is a habitat for various unique plant and animal species. Beautiful coral reefs, colorful fish and diverse marine life are the main attraction for marine ecotourism in Indonesia. This biodiversity is also a strong indicator of why Indonesia is called a maritime country, because the sea is an important asset in maintaining biodiversity and a balanced marine ecosystem.
With a combination of rich marine resources, marine tourism potential and extraordinary underwater biodiversity, Indonesia deserves to be called a maritime country. The sea is not only a source of life and economy, but also a valuable asset in maintaining environmental sustainability and biodiversity in Indonesia’s maritime areas.
- Sea Transportation.
Fishermen of Yellow Land Waters
Enlarge A number of fishermen prepare to sail to catch fish in the waters of Tanah Kuning Village, near the Kalimantan Industrial Park Indonesia development site in Bulungan, North Kalimantan, Indonesia, Thursday, August 24 2023.
Sea transportation is also one of the reasons why Indonesia is called a maritime country. With thousands of islands spread throughout the archipelago, sea transportation has a very important role in connecting these islands.
Ferry boats are the main mode of transportation that provides vital connectivity for the mobility of people and goods in Indonesia. Inter-island routes served by ferryboats are the backbone of ensuring trade, cultural exchange and social interaction between regions in Indonesia.
- Maritime History
Indonesia’s maritime history is very rich and long, indicating the continuity of advanced maritime life from pre-historic times to the present. Various maritime kingdoms such as Sriwijaya and Majapahit reflect Indonesia’s strength and success in carrying out an advanced maritime life.
Sriwijaya, as an important maritime trade center, shows how Indonesia has been an integral part of the global trade network for centuries. Majapahit, with its extensive power in the Southeast Asian maritime region, demonstrated Indonesia’s ability to manage and utilize its maritime potential effectively.