Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelagic nation, possesses immense potential to leverage its vast ocean resources in the fight against climate change. However, realizing this potential requires significantly more ambitious action than is currently planned, according to recent analysis.
Indonesia’s Outsized Ocean Potential
Comprising over 17,000 islands and 108,000 kilometers of coastline, Indonesia is home to more than one-fifth of the world’s mangroves and 5% of its seagrass meadows. These “blue carbon” ecosystems are critical for storing carbon – up to five times more than tropical forests – and buffering against the impacts of a changing climate. The nation also heavily relies on the ocean for transportation, tourism, and food security.
Three key sectors – protecting and restoring coastal ecosystems, transforming the maritime industry, and developing offshore renewable energy – offer the greatest opportunities for emissions reductions. Restoring mangroves and seagrasses alone could eliminate 32-41 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually by 2030, equivalent to removing emissions from 10 million cars. Electrifying marine transport and expanding offshore renewable energy sources could further reduce emissions by a combined 13.13-16.7 MtCO2e per year by 2030.
Beyond Emissions Reduction
The benefits of investing in ocean solutions extend beyond climate mitigation. Healthy coastal ecosystems bolster resilience to extreme weather events, protecting approximately 1,800 kilometers of Indonesian coastline from erosion and storm surges. These ecosystems also support local economies, enhance food security, and create opportunities for sustainable tourism. For example, the SECURE project in East Kalimantan demonstrated a 12% income rise for aquaculture farmers and a 40% increase for women’s groups through mangrove restoration.
Despite acknowledging the potential, Indonesia’s current policies fall short. The country’s newest climate plan, released in October 2025, lacks specific targets for ocean-based emissions reductions and does not fully explore the contributions of sectors beyond blue carbon ecosystems. Efforts to protect and manage mangroves are also currently categorized within the Forestry and Other Land Use sector, creating coordination challenges.
What Might Happen Next?
If Indonesia continues on its current trajectory, it risks missing significant opportunities to address climate change and establish itself as a global ocean leader. However, several steps could be taken to accelerate progress. The updated version of Indonesia’s Second NDC, expected around 2027/2028, could establish clear definitions and targets for marine-based sectors. Strengthening governance, gathering more robust data, and shifting financial flows towards ocean action are also crucial.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are “blue carbon” ecosystems?
“Blue carbon” ecosystems, such as mangroves, seagrass meadows and tidal marshes, are coastal and marine ecosystems that store large amounts of carbon in their biomass and soil, often at a rate greater than terrestrial forests.
How much could ocean-based action reduce Indonesia’s emissions?
According to Climateworks Centre’s analysis, ocean-based action could deliver nearly half (49%) of the additional emissions cuts needed in Indonesia by 2050 to align with limiting warming to 1.5 degrees C.
What is hindering progress on ocean-based climate action in Indonesia?
Progress is lagging due to a lack of ambitious targets in national climate plans, insufficient coordination between government ministries, and limited financial investment in ocean-based solutions.
Will Indonesia prioritize its ocean resources as a key component of its climate strategy, and can it overcome the existing challenges to unlock the full potential of its marine ecosystems?
