Bali Ocean Days 2026

Bali, Indonesia – Bali Ocean Days reaffirmed its role as a strategic platform connecting policy, science, business, and communities to accelerate solutions for Indonesia’s marine and coastal challenges.

Representing the Minister of Environment and Head of the Environmental Protection Agency of the Republic of Indonesia, Rasio Ridho Sani, Deputy for Pollution and Environmental Damage Control, delivered key policy directions on marine and coastal environmental protection on behalf of Dr. Hanif Faisol Nurofiq.

Indonesia is home to the world’s second-longest coastline, stretching more than 95,000 kilometers, and comprises over 17,000 islands. The country hosts 3.44 million hectares of mangrove ecosystems, accounting for 23 percent of the world’s total mangroves, and approximately 2.5 million hectares of coral reefs. However, national data show that 30–40 percent of coral reefs are in fair to degraded condition, while mangrove loss reached nearly 195,000 hectares between 2010 and 2020.

Rising Pressures on Marine Ecosystems

In his remarks, Rasio Ridho Sani highlighted the growing pressures on Indonesia’s marine environment, including climate-driven coral bleaching, sea-level rise causing coastal flooding, and the escalation of transboundary plastic and microplastic pollution that crosses national borders.

“Indonesia is facing a convergence of environmental risks that directly threaten marine ecosystems, coastal communities, and economic resilience,” he said, representing the Minister. “These challenges demand integrated policies, strong enforcement, and collective responsibility across sectors.”

In Bali Province alone, cross-sector collaboration between January and February 2025 successfully managed 1,274 tons of marine litter, demonstrating how coordinated action can deliver measurable environmental impact.

National Policy Directions Aligned with Bali Ocean Days

The presentation outlined four key environmental policy directions that align closely with the purpose of Bali Ocean Days:

1. Strengthening protection and restoration of coastal and marine ecosystems, including mangroves and coral reefs
2. Systematic control of marine pollution, supported by Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), waste reduction roadmaps, and digital monitoring systems
3. Integrating environmental protection principles into blue economy development, ensuring marine resource use remains within ecological carrying capacity
4. Strengthening science, technology, and marine data, as the foundation for transparent and adaptive policymaking

“These policy directions reflect Indonesia’s commitment to ensuring that marine development goes hand in hand with environmental protection and long-term resilience,” Rasio noted.

Communities and Collaboration at the Core

Indonesia continues to promote community-based environmental stewardship, practice-based education, and youth leadership in marine protection. Initiatives such as community-led mangrove conservation, coral reef protection in Raja Ampat, and sea turtle conservation in Pangumbahan demonstrate how local action strengthens national environmental outcomes.

Bali Ocean Days serves as a critical connector — translating national policy into shared understanding and actionable collaboration — while reinforcing Indonesia’s engagement with regional and international frameworks such as ASEAN marine cooperation, SEA-MaP, PEMSEA, COBSEA, and the Global Fund for Coral Reefs.

“Bali Ocean Days is designed as a platform for solutions,” Yoke Darmawan, the organizers stated. “By aligning national policy with science, business innovation, and community action, we move faster toward a regenerative ocean future.

Further information:
Website https://balioceandays.id
Email info@balioceandays.id
Instagram @balioceandays