Banyuwangi to host ASEAN-ID blue economy development forum

Banyuwangi, East Java (ANTARA) - Banyuwangi District in East Java was chosen to host the ASEAN-ID Blue international forum, bringing together representatives from ASEAN countries and partner countries to share experiences in developing the blue economy on July 17-18, 2026.

The ASEAN-ID Blue event was initiated by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) in collaboration with the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

The Director of ASEAN Economic Cooperation of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Adhyanti Sardanarini Wirajuda, said the forum aims to enhance cooperation between ASEAN and partner countries in developing the blue economy.

"The forum will accommodate sharing experiences between ASEAN countries and partner countries to enrich blue economy practices. We will also feature business actors in the maritime sector and fishermen directly involved in this forum," Wirajuda remarked in a statement on Monday.

According to her, Banyuwangi was chosen to host the event due to its success in aligning marine conservation and community welfare.

She addressed that various initiatives in Banyuwangi demonstrate the close integration of the fisheries, tourism, MSME, and community empowerment sectors in supporting regional development.

"We plan to share this practice with ASEAN countries and partners. Banyuwangi also consistently drives the regional economy through various cultural and tourism activities," she added.

Meanwhile, Banyuwangi District Head Ipuk Fiestiandani said the region would gain a strategic opportunity to exchange experiences and learn from ASEAN member states and partner countries.

"We hope to learn from the experiences of ASEAN countries and their partners, while using this forum to foster broader cooperation with them, particularly in the economic and coastal community empowerment sectors," she noted.

The ASEAN-ID Blue Forum will be attended by representatives from ASEAN member countries, East Asia Summit (EAS) countries, and members of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).

The blue economy is a development approach that focuses on the sustainable use of marine and coastal resources to encourage economic growth, improve community welfare, and maintain the sustainability of marine ecosystems.

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Translator: Novi Husdinariyanto, Resinta Sulistiyandari

Editor: Azis Kurmala

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