The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FMIPA UI), continues to promote the development of the blue economy as a strategy for empowering coastal communities. As part of this commitment, FMIPA UI, through the Department of Biology and in collaboration with SustainaBlue UI, organized a workshop titled “Opportunities and Benefits of the Blue Economy, and the Sustainable Use of Marine Resources” on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at RPTRA Widya Bahari, Pulau Harapan, in the Thousand Islands.
The activity was attended by 40 participants from the local fishing community and featured two main speakers: Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Mufti Petala Patria, M.Sc., Chair of SustainaBlue UI, and Dr. Retno Lestari, M.Si., a lecturer from the Department of Biology, FMIPA UI. They discussed the importance of sustainable marine resource management to ensure intergenerational welfare.
“The potential of the ocean to drive the economy is not limited to the consumption of marine animals but also includes ecosystem services and by-products from marine food waste that have high economic value,” said Prof. Mufti.
Dr. Retno added that the blue economy is not just about profit but also about marine environmental conservation. “The concept of the blue economy is a balance between well-being and sustainability. If managed wisely, the ocean’s potential can continue to be enjoyed by future generations,” she said.
The event’s chief organizer, Dr. Windri Handayani, S.Si., M.Si., explained that a collaborative approach is key in developing the blue economy. “We believe that a transdisciplinary approach and direct community involvement are the foundations for building an inclusive and sustainable blue economy,” she said.
In addition to the presentation sessions, the activity also included focused group discussions (FGDs) exploring the local potential of Pulau Harapan. Some of the identified potentials include turtle conservation tourism, snorkeling and diving activities, as well as processed marine products such as shredded fish, pempek, fish balls, and Puk Cue crackers.
The Head of Pulau Harapan, Yusup, M.Si., welcomed this initiative. He hopes that similar activities can continue and inspire the community, especially the younger generation, to develop the island’s local potential.
“I am very grateful to Universitas Indonesia for this workshop. I hope programs like this can inspire the community, especially the younger generation, to boost the local economy,” he said.
Indonesia’s blue economy potential is estimated to reach USD 1.2 trillion per year, encompassing strategic sectors such as fisheries, marine renewable energy, marine tourism, maritime transportation, and ecosystem conservation, including mangroves and coral reefs.
The community engagement team consists of lecturers from the Department of Biology, FMIPA UI, including Dr. Retno Lestari, Dr. rer. nat. Yasman, Prof. Mufti Petala Patria, and Dr. Ratna Yuniati. Meanwhile, the SustainaBlue team.
UI’s team consists of Biology Department alumni, namely Achmad Eka Satria, Amelia Said, Siwi Dwi Hastuti, Ratu Nida Hamidah, and Hedza Fadli Robbina.
The event was also enlivened by the presence of Abang None of the Thousand Islands, who helped foster a spirit of collaboration among fishermen, academics, and the younger generation in building a resilient coastal ecosystem.
Through this activity, FMIPA UI reaffirms its commitment to actively contribute to sustainable coastal development that is science-based, participatory, and directly impactful for the community.
