Indonesia has Become a Role Model for Many Island Nations

Jakarta – Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, stated that Indonesia has become a role model for many island nations in various aspects, including downstream processing, digitalization, and rural fund management.

This declaration comes in the context of Indonesia's preparations to host the Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum 2023, scheduled for October 10-11 in Nusa Dua, Bali.

According to Luhut, Indonesia has received recognition and appreciation from fellow island nations who participated in previous AIS Forums.

"Other countries are showing immense respect, especially now that Indonesia's economy is improving. Our achievements in downstream processing, digitalization, rural development, and more have made them view Indonesia as a new guiding example,” said Luhut during the FMB 9 event on Monday.

One bold step taken by the Indonesian government is its downstream processing policy, which aims to not only export raw materials but also process them before exporting. Luhut revealed that this approach has piqued the interest of other countries, including Papua New Guinea, who expressed a desire to emulate it.

Luhut mentioned, "The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea has expressed interest in visiting. He sees the extensive collaboration and our approach to downstream processing, where we no longer send raw materials but process them here. They want to follow suit."

The AIS Forum 2023 will address concrete issues faced by island nations, such as marine spatial planning, marine pollution, and climate change. Luhut stressed that the forum will not solely focus on massive investments but will prioritize concrete solutions to these challenges.

According to Luhut, AIS Forum 2023 provides an opportunity to showcase Indonesia's capability as a global leader, particularly after successfully hosting the G20 Summit in 2022 and the 42nd and 43rd ASEAN Summits.

He added, "We may not be a superpower, but we are a large nation. We are working to make Indonesia more efficient, transparent, and modern."

With the theme "Fostering Collaboration, Advancing Innovation for the Ocean and Our Common Future," the AIS Forum 2023 aims to strengthen solidarity among island and archipelagic nations. The forum will serve as a vital platform to discuss key issues related to the ocean and the collective future of island nations.

It is anticipated that representatives from 51 island and archipelagic countries, including 25 heads of state/government and 30-47 officials of equivalent rank, will attend the event.