Indonesia's Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) has begun preparing a proposal for financing under the Global Environment Facility (GEF-9) as a strategic step to strengthen sustainable fisheries management while advancing the implementation of the country's Blue Economy policy. The proposed programme, valued at approximately US$15 million over five years, will focus on ecosystem-based fisheries management across four Indonesian Fisheries Management Areas (WPPNRIs) located within the Coral Triangle.

The proposal was discussed during a hybrid coordination meeting involving multiple MMAF directorates, the Ministry of Environment, WWF-Indonesia, WWF-US as the GEF Agency, academia, the PMU of the GEF-6 Coastal Fisheries Initiative (CFI) Indonesia, and other key stakeholders. The collaborative process aims to develop a competitive proposal that aligns with both Indonesia's national development priorities and international environmental commitments.

Representatives from MMAF, the Ministry of Environment, WWF-Indonesia, WWF-US as the GEF Agency, academia, and the PMU of GEF-6 CFI Indonesia participate in the hybrid GEF-9 proposal development meeting, Bogor, 29–30 June 2026

Syahril Abdul Rauf, Director of Fish Resource Management (PSDI) at MMAF, explained that the GEF-9 initiative builds upon the achievements of the GEF-6 Coastal Fisheries Initiative (CFI) Indonesia, which has strengthened fisheries governance, supported small-scale fishers, and enhanced fisheries management institutions over recent years.

"Many successful components of GEF-6 remain highly relevant and should be expanded, including improvements in fisheries governance, institutional strengthening, and community empowerment models that have demonstrated tangible contributions to sustainable fisheries management," he said.

Syahril Abdul Rauf, Director of Fish Resource Management (PSDI) at MMAF, and Benny Khairuddin, representing the MMAF's Foreign Planning and Funding Coordinator, attend the GEF-9 grant proposal development meeting in Bogor, from 29 to 30 June 2026

According to Syahril, the proposed programme is also intended to support the implementation of Indonesia's Quota-Based Fisheries (PIT) and the development of Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih (KNMP), one of MMAF's flagship initiatives through 2029. The Government aims to establish approximately 5,000 fishing villages as centres of economic growth for coastal communities.

The proposal will further integrate fisheries management with marine conservation through the implementation of the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM), stock-based quota system, protection of critical habitats, strengthened fisheries monitoring and enforcement, and science-based seasonal closures of fish spawning areas.

Duwik Kurnianti, Indonesia’s GEF Operational Focal Point representative from the Ministry of the Environment, delivered a presentation on the GEF 9 Policy Directions and Funding Priorities for the Marine and Fisheries Sector via an online session (29 June 2026)

Representing Indonesia's GEF Operational Focal Point, Duwik Kurnianti explained that the Global Environment Facility (GEF) is the world's largest environmental financing mechanism, supporting implementation of major international environmental conventions covering climate change, biodiversity, land degradation, international waters, and chemicals and waste management.

She noted that the GEF-9 programming cycle (2026–2030) presents a significant opportunity for Indonesia to strengthen its conservation agenda and sustainable development.

"GEF-9 offers Indonesia broad opportunities to develop integrated programmes that address biodiversity conservation, climate change, international waters management, and national capacity development. The key is ensuring that proposed programmes are fully aligned with both national priorities and global environmental objectives," she said.

She added that country allocations under GEF-9 were scheduled to be announced on 1 July 2026, while opportunities under several Integrated Programs would be introduced later in the year during the GEF Assembly.

From a planning perspective, Benny Khairuddin, representing the Head of the MMAF’s Planning Bureau, emphasized that the proposal must demonstrate strong alignment with Indonesia's national priorities, particularly the Ministry's Blue Economy agenda.

"The proposal must be built upon a robust baseline, measurable targets, clear indicators, and a credible sustainability strategy beyond the funding period. Strong collaboration among government agencies and development partners will also be essential for improving the quality of proposals," he said, as stated in the remarks of the Head of the MMAF’s Planning Bureau.

Adipati Rahmat, Project Manager of GEF-6 CFI Indonesia and representative of WWF-US, presents the concept for the GEF-9 proposal, Bogor, 29–30 June 2026.

Providing technical support for proposal development, Adipati Rahmat, Project Manager of GEF-6 CFI Indonesia and representative of WWF-US, explained that the concept currently being developed focuses not only on regulating fishing activities, but also on establishing an integrated marine landscape management system.

According to him, the programme combines Indonesia's Quota-Based Fisheries policy with marine protected areas, strengthened fish stock assessments, digital fisheries information systems, empowerment of small-scale fishers, and the development of sustainable fisheries value chains.

"Our goal is to help translate Indonesia's Blue Economy policy into practical implementation. Fisheries management must be science-based, integrated with marine conservation, supported by robust information systems, and capable of delivering tangible benefits to coastal communities," he said.

Achmad Mustofa, representing WWF-Indonesia, echoed this view, noting that the proposed programme is fully aligned with the five pillars of MMAF's Blue Economy policy. WWF-Indonesia reaffirmed its commitment to continue supporting the proposal development together with MMAF and WWF-US, right through to the preparation of the Project Identification Form (PIF) and the full project proposal.

WWF-Indonesia also highlighted the importance of safeguarding small-scale fishers through the application of social safeguards, strengthened traceability systems, market incentives for sustainably harvested seafood products, and the digitalization of fisheries information. These measures are expected to ensure that Indonesia's Quota-Based Fisheries not only safeguards fish stocks but also enhances business certainty and improves the livelihoods of fishing communities.

Should it secure GEF-9 funding approval, the programme is expected to strengthen Indonesia's fisheries governance through ecosystem-based fisheries management, improved scientific information, enhanced marine protected areas, and better livelihoods for coastal communities. It will also reinforce Indonesia's position as one of the pioneers of sustainable fisheries management in the Coral Triangle region and at a global level.