EU and Indonesian Ministry of National Development Planning/ Bappenas launch Blue Food Assessment (BFA) and Indonesia Blue Economy Index (IBEI)

In order to strengthen the direction of Blue Economy development in Indonesia, the Ministry of National Development Planning/ Bappenas officially launched the  Indonesia Blue Food Assessment (BFA) Document and Indonesia Blue Economy Index (IBEI).

In the preparation of the Blue Food Assessment (BFA) document, the Ministry of National Development Planning/ Bappenas collaborated with the European Union (EU), the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), Stanford University, and Microsave Consulting (MSC). Meanwhile, the Indonesia Blue Economy Index (IBEI) was compiled with the European Union as the main partner to assess the progress of blue economy development.

These two documents comprehensively analyse data and information, as well as the latest findings to drive the role of blue food and the blue economy in sustainable national development. Through the BFA, the actual condition and strategic role of aquatic food in supporting the realisation of national food security and sovereignty have been mapped. Meanwhile, the IBEI serves as a comprehensive instrument to measure the progress of blue economy development in a sustainable and inclusive manner. The launch of the two documents also marks closer collaboration between stakeholders, including the government, business actors, academics, community organisations and development partners; and strengthening affirmation to accelerate the transformation of the blue economy in Indonesia

Indonesia, as the world's main blue food producer, will continue to prioritise an efficient production system, increase added value, fulfill balanced protein nutrition consumption for the community, improve marine governance that is increasingly efficient and maintain ecosystem sustainability in an integrated manner

"Through BFA, we emphasise the importance of making aquatic food into a resilient and sustainable sea-based national food system transformation. Meanwhile, we use IBEI to assess the achievements, challenges, and opportunities of the blue economy sector in a measurable manner, both at the central and regional levels," explained the Deputy for Food, Natural Resources and Environment, Bappenas during the launch of the two documents, Wednesday (6/8).

“The European Union is proud to support Indonesia’s efforts to advance a sustainable and inclusive blue economy through initiatives such as the Blue Food Assessment and the Indonesia Blue Economy Index. These knowledge-driven tools reflect Indonesia’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking that safeguards marine biodiversity, strengthens coastal livelihoods, and enhances food and nutrition security. We believe that strategic cooperation between the EU and Indonesia in this domain will not only foster ocean resilience and sustainable fisheries, but also drive green growth and contribute to the global goals on climate and biodiversity,” concluded Stéphane Mechati, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. of the EU Delegation to Indonesia.