03 Dec UI, Bringing the sustainable blue economy to Indonesia’s remote communities
Indonesia is the largest archipelagic state in the world, consisting of at least 17,000 islands. In this context, the UI team’s long journey is particularly impressive as it included visits to some of the most remote parts of the country to conduct workshops for local fishermen, aquaculture operators and small-scale entrepreneurs on the sustainable Blue Economy, as well as roadshows in local schools, as foreseen under Work Package 2.
More specifically, the UI team carried out activities in four coastal and riverine areas across Indonesia, beginning in August 2025 on Harapan Island, part of the Thousand Islands in Jakarta Province. This two-day community empowerment initiative brought together 82 participants, including fishermen, small-scale entrepreneurs, women and local youth, for a series of workshops introducing the Blue Economy concept and examining the area’s local potential.
The journey continued in September 2025 to the Simeulue Islands, a remote area in the Indian Ocean off the western coast of Aceh. Over six days the UI team implemented a series of activities such as educational roadshows, short training sessions and workshops for small-scale business, fishermen and polytechnic students. Field visits to beaches, ports, farms and plantations gave the team the opportunity to map local strengths while also identifying challenges related to infrastructure and investment.
The UI team continued its mission in October in Masamba, North Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi, following a time-consuming journey that began in Jakarta. The program in Masamba lasted three days and consisted of a series of activities, including educational roadshows with the participation of more than 300 students from primary and secondary schools, as well as short training sessions and workshops for small businesses, farmers and students. During these three days, the UI team promoted SustainaBlue as a guiding concept for prudent and sustainable environmental management.
The final stop was Muara Gembong coastal region, in West Java Province, where the team traveled using a variety of available means. The visit included a Blue Economy workshop attended by over 50 fishermen, focusing on marine ecosystem protection, microplastic pollution, and sustainable livelihoods. The visit concluded with visits to shrimp farming and fishery processing facilities, providing valuable insights into coastal production systems and community-based enterprises.
Through the UI team’s extensive journey, SustainaBlue reached some of the most remote communities in Indonesia, combining education, research and dialogue with local stakeholders and local communities, and promoting the principles of a sustainable blue economy to professionals and younger generations alike.
