VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment develops the maritime sector in collaboration with Denmark through the Second Bilateral Maritime Forum between the Republic of Indonesia and the Kingdom of Denmark. Expert Staff for Maritime Law at the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Okto Irianto in a press release on Saturday (28/11) said that this forum was a follow-up and evaluation of the first Bilateral Forum and the signing of a cooperation agreement in the maritime sector between the two countries on September 7 2018.

He explained that amid the Covid-19 Pandemic situation, there are so many challenges in the oceans that are threats to Indonesia and Denmark. Environmental problems such as pollution and marine debris, illegal activities such as smuggling of illegal drugs, weapons, and also rare animals are challenges that must be faced.

On the one hand, these challenges can provide opportunities for both countries to balance the socio-economic life of the community with the preservation of ecosystems in the maritime sector through various innovations. According to Okto Irianto, the forum is two-way nature, where Indonesia and Denmark have the opportunity to discuss various topics in turn. Indonesia discussed Sustainable Marine Development and the handling of the Covid-19, while Denmark discussed the delivery of environmentally friendly goods and environmental issues, as well as the digitization of the maritime sector. Director General of the Danish Maritime Authority, Andreas Nordseth said that this meeting was a good opportunity for the two countries to exchange experiences that they have had, especially from the maritime sector.

Meanwhile, Danish Ambassador to Indonesia, Lars Bo Larsen emphasized that there are three important issues that can be jointly guarded by Indonesia and Denmark. Both countries can oversee and encourage the real implementation of Maritime Spatial Planning which includes capacity building and certification related to these issues, Green Shipping which can help improve joint maritime sector management, and Marine Debris Management to develop related regulations regarding waste management.