Enviro News Asia, Jakarta — Indonesia officially opened the PEMSEA Network of Local Governments (PNLG) Forum 2025 in Jakarta on Tuesday (September 16, 2025). The international event was inaugurated by Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, Governor of Jakarta Special Region Pramono Anung, PEMSEA Resource Facility Executive Director Aime Gonzales, and PNLG Deputy Secretary General Lin Huaiyuan.
The forum, attended by local and national leaders as well as international partners from 10 countries, underscored Indonesia’s strategic role in strengthening global collaboration toward an inclusive and sustainable blue economy.
In his remarks, Minister Hanif reminded participants that while East Asian seas are among the most productive in the world, they face serious threats such as pollution, ecosystem degradation, declining fish stocks, and the impacts of climate change.
“Through this collaboration, we are building strong networks and strengthening stakeholder connections to enhance ecosystem quality while preserving the beauty of coasts and seas in a sustainable way,” he stated.
Since its establishment in 1993, the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) has served as the primary cooperation mechanism for 11 member countries and 21 non-country partners. Through the PNLG and the PEMSEA Network of Learning Centers (PNLC), the initiative continues to advance Integrated Coastal Management (ICM)—a model that effectively harmonizes economic development with ecosystem protection.
The 24th PNLG Forum carries the theme: “Toward a Sustainable and Inclusive Blue Economy: Connecting Climate, Nature, and Energy.” As host, Indonesia emphasized that coastal and marine issues affect not only the environment but also the economic, social, and security dynamics of the region.
Governor Pramono Anung reaffirmed Jakarta’s commitment to advancing ICM as a strategy to address tidal flooding, urban inundation, and marine ecosystem protection.
“Our vision is to position Jakarta as a global coastal city that contributes to both regional and global sustainability. Linking climate action, nature conservation, and energy transition is key to building resilient and inclusive coastal communities,” he said.
Indonesia also urged the forum to deliver concrete outcomes, including the wider application of ICM, the acceleration of blue economy innovations, and stronger regional cooperation on climate change mitigation and marine biodiversity conservation.
“Through this forum, we are collectively building a future where the seas of East Asia are healthy, productive, and sustainable. This is the greatest legacy we can pass on to future generations,” Minister Hanif emphasized.
By successfully hosting the PNLG Forum 2025, Indonesia has not only reinforced its position as a hub of regional environmental diplomacy but also reaffirmed its leadership as a pioneer of a sustainable blue economy—integrating climate, nature, and energy to secure the resilience of East Asia’s coasts for generations to come. (*)
