The Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas) of Indonesia has launched a Blue Economy Innovation Center in the Riau Islands, signifying a strategic move to bolster economic research and innovation across the nation.
Positioned as the western hub of Indonesia’s blue economy, the Riau Islands’ new innovation center aligns with the nation’s roadmap for increasing the maritime sector’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 15 percent.
Deputy for Economics at Bappenas, Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti, highlighted the potential of the Riau Islands, including marine tourism, fisheries processing industry, shipbuilding, biotechnology, and offshore oil and gas industries.
The blue economy encompasses a cross-sectoral approach, involving industries like manufacturing, oil and gas, marine fisheries, environmental conservation, trade, transportation, and research and innovation.
Innovation and collaboration are deemed essential for the optimal development of the blue economy, as per Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti’s statements.
The Riau Islands, with around 2,000 islands, provide ample opportunities for developing maritime industries, shipbuilding, and inter-island transportation services.
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The blue economy is expected to be the main driver or foundation of Indonesia’s economy in the future, as per Amalia’s vision.
For Singaporeans and international visitors, the establishment of the Blue Economy Innovation Center in Kepri represents a growing opportunity for investment, collaboration, and tourism in a region increasingly focused on sustainable and innovative economic practices.
Indonesia’s Bappenas has established a Blue Economy Innovation Center in the Riau Islands, marking a pivotal step in the country’s economic development. The center aims to harness the region’s potential in various sectors, promoting innovation and collaboration to double the maritime sector’s contribution to Indonesia’s GDP and position the nation as a leader in the blue economy.
Source: Antara News, Haluan Kepri (2023)
