Jakarta, ThedailyID — Standard Chartered and Konservasi Indonesia (KI) brought together government officials, financial institutions, industry players and development partners to discuss investment opportunities in Indonesia’s blue economy at the Indonesia International Sustainability Forum (IISF) 2026.
The discussion focused on how financing, industry-led innovation and cross-sector partnerships could accelerate investment in marine and coastal sectors. The initiatives also aim to create economic opportunities for coastal communities while supporting environmental conservation.
Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono called for stronger collaboration between governments, investors, financial institutions, industry leaders and development partners.
He said Indonesia’s blue economy should serve not only as an environmental agenda but also as a driver of economic growth, job creation, food security and long-term prosperity.
“As the world’s largest archipelagic nation, Indonesia’s ocean represents one of our greatest economic assets. The Blue Economy is not only about protecting marine resources, but about transforming those resources into long-term economic value for our people,” Trenggono said.
The minister highlighted six National Priority Programs aimed at strengthening Indonesia’s marine and fisheries sector. They include the Red and White Fishermen Villages Program, aquaculture revitalization along Java’s northern coast, integrated shrimp aquaculture, village-based fisheries and aquaculture, fishing fleet modernization and national salt self-sufficiency.
Trenggono also welcomed Standard Chartered’s support for integrated shrimp aquaculture in Waingapu, East Nusa Tenggara. He encouraged financial institutions and investors to expand funding for sustainable aquaculture, seaweed downstream industries, fisheries processing and cold-chain infrastructure.
Downstream industrialization emerged as another key priority. Trenggono said Indonesia needs to move beyond exporting raw marine commodities by expanding domestic processing, manufacturing, innovation and technology adoption.
“We are strengthening sustainable production while building processing capacity, cold-chain infrastructure, quality assurance systems, and product traceability,” he said.
Seaweed was also identified as a major investment opportunity. The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Bappenas and the Ministry of Industry recently launched the Indonesia Seaweed Development Action Plan 2026–2030 to develop the sector into a competitive and investment-ready industry.
“The future of the seaweed industry should not be measured solely by how much we harvest, but by how much value we create through technology, processing, innovation, and manufacturing,” Trenggono added.
The discussion continued through a panel titled “Unlocking Indonesia’s Blue Economy through Financing, Industry-Led Innovation, and Scalable Partnerships.” Panelists examined financing, industry-led innovation and strategic partnerships as three key pillars for accelerating the sector.
Managing Director and Head of Coverage at Standard Chartered Indonesia Amit Verma said Indonesia has strong potential to become a global blue economy leader. He stressed the need for innovative financing, public-private partnerships and sustainable value chains.
“Through our global network and sustainable finance expertise, Standard Chartered is committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen coastal livelihoods, promote inclusive economic growth, and contribute to the long-term health of marine ecosystems,” Amit said.
Konservasi Indonesia Senior Vice President and Executive Chair Meizani Irmadhiany said conservation must remain connected to financing. She highlighted sustainable financial instruments that can generate measurable environmental outcomes alongside economic gains.
The panel also explored seaweed processing, market access, maritime technology, workforce readiness, youth entrepreneurship, employment and blended finance structures. Speakers also discussed policies that could support sustainable investment.
The partnership builds on an agreement signed in 2025 between Standard Chartered, APINDO, Conservation International and Konservasi Indonesia. The collaboration supports a sustainable seaweed value chain, investment opportunities and better livelihoods for coastal communities.
Standard Chartered Foundation also announced a US$5 million commitment through its Oceans of Opportunity program. The initiative focuses on jobs and entrepreneurship for youth across ASEAN’s marine economy.
Following IISF 2026, Standard Chartered and Konservasi Indonesia said they remain focused on expanding collaboration and developing bankable blue economy projects. The partnership aims to bring more investment into Indonesia’s marine sector while creating tangible benefits for coastal communities.
