The Department of Marine Science and Technology, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science (FPIK), IPB University, once again held The 6th International Conference on Marine Sciences (ICMS) 2025 on 17–18 September 2025 at the IPB International Convention Center (IICC), Bogor.

CFI Indonesia and its Champions participated in the 6th ICMS at the IPB International Convention Center (IICC) in Bogor by showcasing Knowledge Management dissemination materials and Champion products (September 17–18, 2025)

The conference was a collaborative effort between IPB University and the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) through the Coastal Fisheries Initiative (CFI) Indonesia, supported by funding from the Global Environment Facility-6 (GEF-6). CFI Indonesia is an initiative that focuses on implementing the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) in Fisheries Management Areas (WPP) 715, 717, and 718 — key regions across Eastern Indonesia.

Bridging Science, Policy, and Communities

Under the theme “Advancing Marine Science for a Sustainable Blue Economy”, ICMS 2025 served as a strategic platform that brought together researchers, academics, policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders from Indonesia and abroad to discuss concrete solutions to current and future marine challenges.

The conference was opened by Heike Lingertat, Lead Specialist from GEF Agency of WWF, and featured prominent figures including Dr. I Nyoman Radiarta (MMAF), M. Miftah T. R. Wattimena, S.Ip., MA (Deputy Regent of Eastern Seram), Dr. Huang Wen-Chien (National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan), Prof. Waka Sato-Okoshi (Tohoku University, Japan), Dr. Nils Krueck (University of Tasmania, Australia), and Dr. James Abaraham (Komnas Kajiskan–Pattimura University, Indonesia).

The 6th ICMS was opened by Prof. Ferdinan Yulianda, Dean of FPIK IPB University, on behalf of the Rector, at IPB IICC- Bogor (September 17, 2025)

In his opening remarks, Prof. Ferdinan Yulianda emphasized that ICMS is not merely an academic forum, but a collaborative arena that transcends disciplines and borders. He noted that a successful blue economy cannot be achieved without the synergy of scientific innovation, sound policymaking, and active community participation.

“This conference reflects IPB University’s commitment to supporting science-based sustainable development. No single party can address the complexity of marine issues alone,” he remarked.

Integrating Science and Technology with Policies for a Blue Economy

Representing the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries as keynote speaker, Dr. I Nyoman Radiarta, Head of MMAF’s BPSDMP, welcomed the collaboration between academia and government in campaigning the blue economy agenda.

Head of MMAF’s BPSDMP, Dr. I Nyoman Radiarta, delivered a keynote address on behalf of the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries at the 6th ICMS in IPB IICC, Bogor (September 17, 2025)

“The development of the marine and fisheries sector must be research-based. All future policies need to be formulated on scientific evidence. Therefore, collaboration with the academic community is essential,” he stated.

In his presentation titled “Indonesia’s Blue Economy: Framework for Sustainable Ocean Governance”, Dr. Radiarta highlighted that the blue economy forms the core of sustainability, balancing economic growth, marine ecosystem preservation, and coastal community welfare. This strategy aligns with MMAF’s five priority programs, including blue food development to strengthen national food security.

Small Islands as Pillars of Progress

Prof. Dietriech G. Bengen, Professor of Coastal and Marine Ecology at IPB University, also delivered a keynote speech focusing on the strategic potential of small islands as centers of progress and living laboratories for advancing the blue economy.

Prof. Dietriech G. Bengen, Professor of Coastal and Marine Ecology at IPB University, served as a keynote speaker at the 6th ICMS, presenting “Small Islands: The Strategic Pillars of Indonesia's Blue Economy” (September 17, 2025)

“Small islands must not be viewed as marginalized areas. They hold local wisdom, unique ecosystems, and adaptive communities that are highly relevant to sustainability,” he asserted.

He called on all stakeholders to make small islands the focal points of innovation and the integration of science with local wisdom.

Sasi and Community-Based Conservation

In his session, M. Miftah Wattimena, Deputy Regent of Eastern Seram, highlighted the importance of community- and tradition-based approaches such as Sasi or Ngam in marine conservation. He noted that Eastern Seram Regency has established four Marine Protected Areas — Koon, Garogos, Nukus, and Neden — covering a total of 9,900.87 hectares, as formalized through Ministerial Decree No. 65/KEPMEN-KP/2020.

The Deputy Regent of East Seram, M. Miftah T. R. Wattimena, S.Ip., M.A., presented a locally based management approach to MPAs, OECMs, and MHA in SBT during the 6th ICMS (September 17, 2025)

He further explained that the local government, in collaboration with the Maluku Provincial Marine and Fisheries Office and CFI Indonesia, is initiating the expansion of new conservation areas covering 189,875 hectares. According to WWF data, Koon Island is one of the largest spawning grounds for groupers and snappers.

“We have a great responsibility to safeguard this potential for the future of our people and ecosystems,” he affirmed.

CFI Indonesia: Five Years of Contribution to Sustainable Oceans

During the conference, Dr. Adipati Rahmat, Project Manager of CFI Indonesia, reaffirmed that this conference is aligned with the program’s commitment to supporting the implementation of the blue economy in Eastern Indonesia over the past five years.

CFI Indonesia Project Manager, Dr. Adipati Rahmat, shared the project’s progress and achievements with journalists during the 6th ICMS at IPB (September 17, 2025)

“We have been strengthening ecosystem-based fisheries governance through programs such as Sasi Co-Management, Sasi Label, and quota-based fisheries management. These initiatives contribute to ecosystem resilience while improving the welfare of local fishers,” he explained.

The Sasi Label program, in particular, has empowered fishing communities — especially women — through training, seafood processing, product branding, and assistance in accessing modern retail distribution channels.

Participated by Eight Countries and Over 200 Delegates

Participants of the 6th ICMS at the IPB International Convention Center (IICC), Bogor (September 17–18, 2025)

ICMS 2025 Chairperson Nadya Cakasana reported that the conference was attended by participants from eight countries: Indonesia, Taiwan, Malaysia, Japan, Australia, the Netherlands, Germany, and Bangladesh.

“We received 96 abstracts, 76 of which were selected for oral presentations and 13 for poster sessions. The participants came from diverse backgrounds — universities, research institutions, the maritime industry, government bodies, and students,” she said.

The conference is expected to generate meaningful collaborations and science-based policy recommendations to advance Indonesia’s sustainable marine development.