Indonesia, renowned as the world’s largest archipelagic nation, consist of an extensive collection of 16,056 islands. With a coastline stretching beyond 95,180 kilometres, Indonesia ranks as the second-largest globally, following Canada. Within this intricate interplay of land and sea, Indonesia boasts unparalleled marine and coastal biodiversity. It encompasses an estimated 108,000 kilometres of coastline, accounting for roughly 16 percent of the planet’s coral reefs, and providing habitat for more than 2,000 diverse reef fish species. The diverse marine tapestry of Indonesia is further enhanced by micro-fauna and mega-fauna. This intricate weave of marine ecosystem positioned Indonesia as a haven for marine wildlife for its profound natural heritage. 

Amidst this natural wealth, the Indonesian Seas emerge as dynamic catalysts propelling the trajectory towards future global ocean sustainability. In their multifaceted roles, the Indonesia seas assume a pivotal position in the pursuit of a harmonious coexistence between humanity and the oceans. The significant of Indonesia seas capacity in global ocean sustainability will resonate a transformative action on a global scale. The catalytic influence of the Indonesian Seas is evident in their remarkable ability to instigate change amidst the formidable challenges that pervade marine environments worldwide. These challenges span a spectrum from overfishing and plastic pollution to the degradation of coral reefs and the far-reaching impacts of climate change. Positioned at the forefront of these challenges, the Indonesian Seas beckon innovative solutions and proactive interventions to safeguard their resilience and vitality. Moreover, The Indonesian Seas possess limitless potential for charting a course toward sustainable ocean stewardship. Within their diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity lies a reservoir of scientific knowledge, invaluable for shaping conservation strategies and nurturing international collaboration. The resources derived from these seas sustain the livelihoods of millions through fishing, aquaculture, and burgeoning eco-tourism initiatives, solidifying their integral role within global economies.

Given the complexity and significance of global ocean sustainability, a dedicated meeting focused on navigating the challenges and potentials of Indonesia’s seas becomes imperative. Such a forum fosters collaboration, knowledge exchange, and coordination among researchers, scientists, policymakers, and various stakeholders. The complexity of this theme mandates a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to fully grasp its dynamics and ramifications. By convening experts within this field, a meeting provides a platform for disseminating the latest research findings, evaluating existing knowledge, and identifying critical research gaps. It fosters substantive discussions covering conservation, biodiversity, the climate impact on fisheries, the Indonesian Throughflow (ITF), food sovereignty in the ocean, and policy direction for maritime affairs. Furthermore, this gathering catalyses the creation of collaborative research endeavours, exploration of potential mitigation strategies, and the formulation of an action plan to address knowledge gaps and policy implications. Ultimately, the envisioned meeting serves as a catalyst for advancing the comprehension of challenges and potentials, fuelling scientific cooperation, and shaping evidence-based decisions for the sustainable management of Earth’s oceans.