In the sprawling archipelago of Indonesia, where the sea is as much a part of life as the land, managing coastal and marine resources has always been a complex dance of regulation and tradition. A recent study, published in the ‘BIO Web of Conferences’ (or ‘Conference Proceedings in Biology’ in English), sheds light on the historical and contemporary challenges of this dance. Led by Nanda Magfiroh Artika from the Study Program of Coastal and Marine Resources Management at IPB University, the research delves into the regulatory policies and institutional frameworks that have shaped natural resource conservation in Indonesia from the Dutch colonial period to the present day.
Artika and her team employed document analysis and historical institutionalism to map out the jurisdictional shifts, legal overlaps, and fragmented administration that have characterized coastal and marine conservation governance. Their findings reveal a system that, despite recent reforms, still grapples with unclear mandates and poor inter-organizational collaboration. “The inter-institutional framework for managing conservation has not been effective,” Artika notes, pointing to structural challenges that hinder the integration of maritime socio-cultural aspects and community involvement.
The study highlights that even recent reforms, such as Law No. 32/2024 and Ministerial Regulation No. 6/2024, face hurdles in creating a cohesive and sustainable conservation strategy. These challenges have significant implications for maritime sectors, particularly those involved in fishing, tourism, and coastal development. The lack of clear mandates and effective collaboration can lead to regulatory uncertainty, making it difficult for businesses to plan and invest in sustainable practices.
However, the study also identifies opportunities. By bridging the gap between law and governance that includes all stakeholders, there’s potential to strengthen institutions and enforce conservation measures that are adaptive and performance-driven. This could open up new avenues for maritime sectors to engage in sustainable practices, potentially attracting investment and fostering innovation.
For maritime professionals, the study underscores the importance of understanding the historical and institutional context of conservation governance. It’s a reminder that effective conservation isn’t just about enforcing regulations; it’s about building a collaborative, inclusive, and adaptive framework that works for everyone. As Artika puts it, “The need to enhance coherence and sustainability in conservation governance is more pressing than ever.”