Jakarta, Aug. 7 -- Indonesia is ramping up efforts to expand its marine protected areas (MPAs) as part of its long-term strategy to build a sustainable blue economy by 2045, according to Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono.

Trenggono emphasised that the Indonesian government aims to increase the total coverage of MPAs to 97.5 million hectares by 2045. This initiative forms a key component of the "Golden Indonesia 2045" vision, which prioritises sustainable maritime development and environmental protection.

While significant progress has been made in designating conservation zones, Trenggono expressed his concern that many protected areas remain vulnerable to encroachment, threatening critical marine ecosyste...