The heads of state convened at the 1st High-Level Meeting (HLM) of the Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum, held in the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center (BNDCC) in Badung Regency, Bali on Wednesday, 11 October.

In addition to heads of state, President Joko Widodo also received the Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji, Manoa Seru Nakausabaria Kamikamica, and the Deputy Prime Minister of Tonga, Samiu Kuita Vaipulu.

The designated area where President Jokowi assumed a position to await and receive state guests was designed to resemble blue waves. The Meeting room's design prominently featured elements inspired by the aquatic environment.

Rubi Roesli, the architect and interior designer for the 1st HLM, stated that the unique structure resembled a blue gradient wave created by the piles of expanded blades. To enhance precision in its shape, the computational design was used to create the blade pattern.

The lobby surprised the state guests with a captivating depiction of the sea adorning the walls and extending up to the ceiling through an animated movie. The whole view evoked a sense of grandeur and tranquility. The sound of water and the sea adds to the atmosphere's vibrancy and gives a true sense of being underwater.

When contacted by the Communications and Media Team of the HLM of the AIS Forum, on Wednesday, 11 October, Rubi answered, "The design with a marine theme and its biota starts from the welcoming area."

For the meeting room, Rubi designed a round conference table. The layout of the table was chosen because it created an ambiance that fostered a sense of dynamic and fluid conversation. In the inner circle, a composition made of luminous acrylic blades and a blue light radiance was placed. Once more, it made the audience think of ocean waves. The composition encircled the AIS Forum logo.

The conference room design created comfort for meeting participants. A comfortable conference room would encourage enthusiasm for producing decisions that were beneficial to society.

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About AIS Forum:
The Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum is a global platform for cooperation among island and archipelagic states that aims at strengthening collaboration to address global issues with four main areas of focus: climate change mitigation and adaptation, the blue economy, marine plastic debris, and good maritime governance. The 2023 High-Level Meeting of the AIS Forum is organized to reinforce the role of the AIS Forum as a center for smart and innovative solutions and a platform for collaboration in promoting the future agenda of global maritime governance.

For more information, please contact:

Director General of Public Information and Communications of the Ministry of Communications and Informatics – Usman Kansong (0816785320).

Get more information on press releases, news, photos, and videos related to the 2023 HLM of the AIS Forum at https://s.id/aispedia. 

Foto caption: The Indonesian President Joko Widodo (right) shakes hands with the President of the Micronesian Federation, Wesley W. Simina, upon arrival at the 1st HLM of the AIS Forum at Nusa Dua, Badung, Bali, on Wednesday, 11 October 2023. HLM of the AIS Forum Media Center/Aditya Pradana Putra/nym

Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy/Deputy Head of Tourism and Creative Economy Agency, Angela Tanoesoedibjo, with great enthusiasm and friendly smiles welcomed the heads of delegation of the 1st HLM.

One by one, the delegates began to arrive, namely the First Lady of the Federated States of Micronesia, Ancelly Simina; the Spouse of the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Nana Oumou Trovoada; the Spouse of the Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga, Mele Muimui Vaipulu; and the Spouse of the Minister for Fisheries and Blue Economy of the Republic of Seychelles, Brigitte Erica Shireen.

Their arrivals were greeted with a traditional Balinese dance, Puspanjali, as an expression of joy to welcome the guests to the Island of the Gods.

Angela then invited the spouses of the delegation leaders to the theater to watch a Balinese theatrical drama performance called the Devdan Show-Treasure of Archipelago.

Devdan Show-Treasure of Archipelago showed the cultural diversity of the islands in Indonesia through one single stage. The show was a theatrical performance that combined acrobatic and contemporary dance movements inspired by Indonesia's fascinating culture.

On the sidelines of the show, Angela and the delegation leaders’ spouses were invited to join the dancers to perform the Enggang dance, a dance of the Dayak Kenyah tribe in East Kalimantan.

After enjoying the Devdan Show-Treasure of Archipelago performance, Angela invited the ladies for a luncheon at Bebek Bengil Restaurant to taste the local specialties of duck and chicken cooked with authentic Balinese spices.

According to Angela, the Cultural Experience Program was an opportunity for Indonesia to promote the diversity and richness of tourism and creative economy through the spouses of the delegation leaders of the 1st HLM.

“We have prepared two activities. The first is the Devdan colossal theater performance showcasing Indonesia’s cultural diversity in Bali, Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, and Papua. The second is Balinese culinary specialties to the spouses of the Delegation Leaders,” said Angela.

She hoped that through the Cultural Experience Program, Indonesia's tourism and creative economy would become more popular and advanced. She also hoped that the 1st HLM which invited the participation of 51 island and archipelagic countries around the world could create an inclusive and sustainable future.

“Through the 1st HLM, we hoped that the solidarity and synergy between island and archipelagic countries around the world could be strengthened for a more inclusive and sustainable future,” she said.

At the event, she was accompanied by the Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy/Secretary of the Tourism and Creative Economy Agency, Ni Wayan Giri Adnyani.

The event was also attended by high-ranking officials from the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment; Ministry of State Secretariat; Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy; and the Bali Provincial Government. (Kemenparekraf/Elvira Inda Sari/AAN/FLW)

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About AIS Forum: 
The Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum is a global platform for cooperation among island and archipelagic states that aims at strengthening collaboration to address global issues with four main areas of focus: climate change mitigation and adaptation, the blue economy, marine plastic debris, and good maritime governance. The 2023 High-Level Meeting of the AIS Forum is organized to reinforce the role of the AIS Forum as a center for smart and innovative solutions and a platform for collaboration in promoting the future agenda of global maritime governance.

For more information, please contact:

Director General of Public Information and Communications of the Ministry of Communications and Informatics – Usman Kansong (0816785320). 

Get more press releases, news, photos, and videos related to the 2023 HLM of the AIS Forum at https://s.id/aispedia. 

Foto caption: Spouses of delegation leaders of the HLM of the AIS Forum along with the Indonesian Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy/Deputy Head of Tourism and Creative Economy Agency, Angela Tanoesoedibjo, participate in the 'Cultural Experience' program held at the Bali Nusa Dua Theater, Bali, on Wednesday, 11 October 2023. (Kemenparekraf)

President Joko Widodo conveyed the messages at the opening of the 1st HLM of the AIS Forum in the BNDCC area, Nusa Dua, Badung Regency, Bali Province, on Wednesday, 11 October.

The first thing is solidarity, equality, and inclusiveness, which must become common principles and guidelines. “The second thing is the priority of concrete cooperation tailored to the recipient’s needs,” said the President.

Meanwhile, the third thing is a strong and dynamic cooperation framework to face future challenges.

“The three are a communication bridge between the island and archipelagic countries that we need to maintain. With a mutual commitment to protect the sea, of course, the ocean will become more sustainable,” said the President.

Indonesia, continued President Joko Widodo, was honored to be able to host the historic moment, the 1st HLM of the AIS Forum. He also said that Indonesia would use this forum as a momentum to continue to strengthen collaboration between the island and archipelagic countries.

“The sea does not separate land, but the sea unites land. The sea glues and connects land,” he said.

Island and archipelagic countries, regardless of the size and the economic situation, are connected by complex and interrelated common challenges.

“Archipelagic and island countries must be able to collaborate to overcome various challenges arising from climate change, particularly the rising sea levels, marine resource management, and marine pollution,” said the President.

Therefore, solidarity among countries is crucial to producing strategic, concrete, and tactical steps in solving joint problems.

On this occasion, the President also emphasized that Indonesia, in various international forums, continues to voice the interests of island and archipelagic countries so that they continue to develop, for example, at the G20 Summit in 2022 or the ASEAN Summit in 2023.

“Indonesia is also committed to preparing grants for archipelagic countries and developing countries. Let us continue to choose to build unity and collaborate even amid a divided world,” the President concluded his remarks.

The AIS Forum Summit took place from 10—11 October with the theme "Fostering Collaboration, Enabling Innovation for Our Ocean and Future", specifically discussing various global issues related to the ocean.

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About AIS Forum:
The Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum is a global platform for cooperation among island and archipelagic states that aims at strengthening collaboration to address global issues with four main areas of focus: climate change mitigation and adaptation, the blue economy, marine plastic waste management, and good maritime governance. The 2023 High-Level Meeting of the AIS Forum is organized to reinforce the role of the AIS Forum as a center for smart & innovative solutions and a platform for collaboration in promoting the future agenda of global maritime governance.

For more information, please contact:

Director General of Public Information and Communications of the Ministry of Communications and Informatics – Usman Kansong (0816785320).

Get more information on press releases, narratives, photos, and videos related to the 2023 HLM of the AIS Forum at https://s.id/aispedia. 

Foto caption: The 1st HLM of the AIS Forum is held in Nusa Dua, Badung, Bali on Wednesday, 11 October 2023. Media Center 1st HLM of AIS Forum /Fikri Yusuf/pras.

This document was launched at the side events of the 1st HLM of AIS Forum, the Blue Economy High-Level Dialogue, Monday, 9 October 2023. The document was handed over to the Ministerial Meeting (MM) of the 2023 Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum at Bali Nusa Dua Conference Center (BNDCC) 1, Bali, Tuesday, 10 October 2023.

The Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy/Head of the Tourism and Creative Economy Agency Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno stated that the roadmap is a fulfillment of Indonesia's responsibility towards climate sustainability and resilience. 

"The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy would like to convey the tourism sector's commitment to exploring best practices related to decarbonization and climate action in the tourism sector," he said after the signing ceremony.

In general, decarbonization programs aim to reduce energy consumption while improving efficiency. This program comprehensively addresses various issues, disseminates actions, and tackles challenges in the tourism industry.

Based on the roadmap, the immediate agenda is to measure and calculate the lower emission limit and the target for reducing carbon emissions in the tourism sector. 

"At the same time, we will prepare a reporting system to accompany the journey of tourism towards zero emissions," Sandiaga added.

As a follow-up action, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy is collaborating with the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources under the 'Climate Promise Project' to conduct an energy and waste management survey for 20 hotels in the Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) area in Nusa Dua, Bali. The development of mitigation action plans will also follow the survey.

"Similar actions will be extended to five other Super Priority Tourism Destinations (DPSP) in Indonesia and are expected to be replicated in other regions, combining domestic mitigation actions with the sector's contribution to Indonesia's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) document (a document containing a country's climate commitments and actions communicated to the world)," Sandiaga explained.

"The 'Tourism Sector Decarbonization Roadmap' is the first step and will be continuously updated in the future to align with developments in the energy sector, waste management, and overall developments in the tourism industry. 

The ministry is committed to collaborating with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, relevant government agencies, and other stakeholders to refine the roadmap's scope.

"The roadmap's coverage will also be expanded. The program will be periodically updated, and the objectives may be altered to achieve zero emissions faster. This significant undertaking begins today to create business and job opportunities that we refer to as green tourism jobs," Sandiaga concluded.

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About AIS Forum:
The Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum is a global platform for cooperation among island and archipelagic states that aims at strengthening collaboration to address global issues with four main areas of focus: climate change mitigation and adaptation, the blue economy, marine plastic debris, and good maritime governance. The 2023 High-Level Meeting of the AIS Forum is organized to reinforce the role of the AIS Forum as a center for smart & innovative solutions and a platform for collaboration in promoting the future agenda of global maritime governance.

For more information, please contact:

Director General of Public Information and Communications of the Ministry of Communications and Informatics – Usman Kansong (0816785320). 

Get more press releases, news, photos, and videos related to the 2023 HLM of the AIS Forum at https://s.id/aispedia. 

Foto caption: Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy/Head of the Tourism and Creative Economy Agency Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno gives a statement at the Media Center of the 2023 High-Level Meeting (HLM) of the Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum at Bali Nusa Dua Conference Center (BNDCC) 1, Bali, Tuesday, 10 October 2023.

After concluding a photo session with attending delegates, the President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko “Jokowi” Widodo opened the 1st HLM of the AIS Forum at 9:45 a.m. (GMT+8) and delivered a welcoming remark. President Joko Widodo is then scheduled to preside over a series of sessions today.

In addition to President Joko Widodo, the President of Micronesia, the Prime Minister of Niue, the Prime Minister of São Tomé and Príncipe, the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, and the Prime Minister of Tuvalu are participating in the first High-Level Meeting of the AIS Forum.

This year, the HLM of the AIS Forum carries the theme "Fostering Collaboration, Enabling Innovation, for Our Ocean and Our Future". In line with the overarching objective of the AIS Forum, which serves as a platform for archipelagic and island states to enhance collaboration in addressing global maritime challenges, each delegate will present a statement outlining their country or organization's position.

It is expected that the 1st HLM of the AIS Forum will adopt a Leaders' Declaration on the Solidarity of the Archipelagic and Island States. This declaration affirms the commitment of the archipelagic and island states to collaborate in addressing common challenges, including climate change, blue economy development, marine pollution, and marine governance with the ultimate objective to attain prosperity and sustainability for future generations.

The 1st HLM of AIS Forum is also attended by 32 participating countries, namely heads of state/government from Indonesia, Micronesia, Niue, Sao Tome and Principe, Timor Leste, and Tuvalu; deputy heads of government from Fiji and Tonga; ministerial-level officials from the Maldives, Marshall Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Cabo Verde; as well as high-ranking officials from Madagascar, New Zealand, Bahrain, the Cook Islands, Cyprus, Ireland, Japan, Malta, Nauru, the Philippines, Santa Lucia, Samoa, Suriname, Vanuatu, and the United Kingdom.

Representatives from four international organizations are also present at the 1st HLM of the AIS Forum, including the Melanesian Spearhead Group, the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The HLM of the AIS Forum will conclude with a working luncheon, slated to commence at 12:30 p.m. (GMT+8).

***

About AIS Forum:
The Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum is a global platform for cooperation among island and archipelagic states that aims at strengthening collaboration to address global issues with four main areas of focus: climate change mitigation and adaptation, the blue economy, marine plastic debris, and good maritime governance. The 2023 High-Level Meeting of the AIS Forum is organized to reinforce the role of the AIS Forum as a center for smart and innovative solutions and a platform for collaboration in promoting the future agenda of global maritime governance.

For more information, please contact:

Director General of Public Information and Communications of the Ministry of Communications and Informatics – Usman Kansong (0816785320).

Get more information on press releases, news, photos, and videos related to the 2023 HLM of the AIS Forum at https://s.id/aispedia. 

Foto caption: The 1st High-Level Meeting (HLM) of the Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum is held on Wednesday morning, 11 October 2023, at the Bali Nusa Dua Conference Center, Badung Regency, Bali Province.

The President extended his welcome to the delegates present in Bali. "Welcome to Bali. Welcome to Indonesia for the gala dinner of the 1st High-Level Meeting of the AIS Forum," said President Joko Widodo.

According to the President, the HLM of AIS Forum is aimed to strengthen collaboration among archipelagic and island countries that share a commonality: living side by side with the ocean.

"Because ocean is our life. Ocean unites our people, and ocean provides many resources that we have to manage in a responsible manner. Let us flourish our friendship, and please enjoy this evening. Thank you," added the President.

The dishes served were variations of traditional Indonesian cuisine, reinterpreted by Chef Vindex Tengker and Chef Made Putra. The diversity of natural resources, especially Indonesia’s marine products, was presented on the dining table to align with the 2023 HLM of the AIS Forum 2023 theme, "Fostering Collaboration, Enabling Innovation for Our Ocean and Our Future."

The first dish was urapan or bacem (seasoned boiled vegetables) tempeh from Yogyakarta. It was followed by Andaliman prawn salad. Andaliman is a spice native to the North Sumatra region. These two menus were served as appetizers along with Nusa Dua Lemongrass Tomato Soup. The latter is a unique blend of tomato soup and lemongrass aroma, garnished with avocado slices and served with coconut cream.

There were three main dishes. The first was Base Genep (Balinese spice paste) Beef, prepared from Wagyu with Balinese spices, accompanied by Bali’s signature lawar (Balinese salad) as a side dish.

The second menu was Gulai Udang Karang (lobster curry), a lobster dish with asparagus and mushrooms featuring Acehnese curry. The presentation alone was appetizing. The third menu was Polenta Terung Mapui (corn porridge and grilled eggplant). Polenta is a dish made from corn flour, accompanied by grilled eggplant in a special Kalimantan red sauce.

The chefs prepared a specialty from North Sulawesi, Young Coconut Pudding, for dessert. Additionally, there was Bunaken Coral, a pandan and coconut cake adorned with various fruits.

Taste Enhancer

A gala dinner is incomplete without entertainment. Aside from their tasting buds, guests were also visually pampered with dance and musical performances, showcasing Indonesia’s cultural diversity.

Famous singers and dancers performed in four themes for entertainment at the gala dinner.

The first theme was “Collaboration and Innovation through Challenges.” This theme depicted the strength of archipelagic and island countries as they strive to survive through all challenges. This strength is the result of collaboration adapted through innovation. Yuni Shara opened the sequel with the song “Serasa.”

The second theme was “Archipelagic Countries’ Richness in Culture, Unity in Diversity.” This performance celebrated the natural and cultural richness of archipelagic nations. A series of five songs from Papua, Sulawesi, Java, Kalimantan, and Sumatra were performed by Indonesian singers.

“Love Our Ocean” was the third theme featured in the entertainment accompanying the dinner. The performance was an expression of gratitude for the richness of the ocean and a form of strong commitment to preserving marine resources for future generations. The performers presented songs guaranteed to remind the guests of the tropical sea ambiance.

“Prosperous Future” was the closing theme of the entertainment program. This theme represented the hopes and aspirations of archipelagic and island countries to collaborate and achieve shared prosperity goals. Energetic songs that invited the guests to dance were played in this finale.

A perfect dinner with captivating entertainment undoubtedly had the purpose of showcasing Indonesia’s beauty. It also encouraged guests to extend their stay and promote Indonesia's beauty worldwide.

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About AIS Forum:
The Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum is a global platform for cooperation among island and archipelagic states that aims at strengthening collaboration to address global issues with four main areas of focus: climate change mitigation and adaptation, the blue economy, marine plastic waste management, and good maritime governance. The 2023 High-Level Meeting of the AIS Forum is organized to reinforce the role of the AIS Forum as a center for smart & innovative solutions and a platform for collaboration in promoting the future agenda of global maritime governance.

For more information, please contact:

Director General of Public Information and Communications of the Ministry of Communications and Informatics – Usman Kansong (0816785320).

Get more information on press releases, narratives, photos, and videos related to the 2023 HLM of the AIS Forum at https://s.id/aispedia.   

Foto caption: Singer Yuni Shara performs at the Gala Dinner of the 2023 HLM of the AIS Forum 2023 at Bali International Convention Centre (BICC), Nusa Dua, Badung, Bali, Tuesday, 10 October 2023. The event featured various Indonesian artistic performances to introduce the cultural heritage of Indonesia and welcome the delegates of the 2023 HLM of the AIS Forum. Media Center KTT AIS Forum 2023/Aditya Pradana Putra/nym.

According to Deputy for Maritime Sovereignty and Energy Coordination of the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment Jodi Mahardi in Nusa Dua, Bali, Tuesday, 10 October 2023, the Indonesian delegation introduced keramba (fish cages) as an innovation in the fisheries sector during the 7th Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) of the Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum in Fiji last April.

"Fish cages are something common in Indonesia. However, there is not a single fish cage in the Pacific countries," Jodi said after attending the 5th Ministerial Meeting of the AIS Forum in Nusa Dua.

Meanwhile, in the 8th SOM of the AIS Forum in Madagascar held last June, the Indonesian delegation brought fish aggregating devices that can be deployed in shallow and deep waters to assist fishers in catching fish.

Jodi explained that Indonesia aimed to share practical solutions and innovations that have been successful in Indonesia to be adapted and applied in other archipelagic and island countries to address similar issues.

"Many simple things, not rocket science, can be applied in small countries, and communities can be directly involved in their production," Jodi said.

He said the AIS Forum Secretariat would replicate similar solutions and innovations in other countries if deemed successful.

"We will continuously monitor, evaluate, and improve the program periodically. If it is successful, we will replicate it elsewhere, including in Indonesia. So, we are not only focused on developing the blue economy or other marine initiatives in other countries but also in our own country," Jodi explained.

To enhance AIS Forum collaboration, the AIS Forum Secretariat has appointed regional officers in three regions, namely the Pacific, based in Fiji; the Indian Ocean Rim, based in Madagascar; and the Caribbean, based in Barbados.

These regional officers have a duty to gather input on programs and initiatives needed by the community to develop collaborative programs and initiatives in the AIS Forum.

"The nature of the AIS Forum is how we can build from the grassroots community. It is no longer about running programs from the government but creating programs that are needed and can be implemented by the community," Jodi said.

The AIS Forum is a platform for cooperation among archipelagic and island countries aimed at strengthening collaboration to address four global issues: climate change mitigation and adaptation, blue economy, marine plastic debris, and good maritime governance.

***

About AIS Forum:
The Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum is a global platform for cooperation among island and archipelagic states that aims at strengthening collaboration to address global issues with four main areas of focus: climate change mitigation and adaptation, the blue economy, marine plastic debris, and good maritime governance. The 2023 High-Level Meeting of the AIS Forum is organized to reinforce the role of the AIS Forum as a center for smart & innovative solutions and a platform for collaboration in promoting the future agenda of global maritime governance.

For more information, please contact: 

Director General of Public Information and Communications of the Ministry of Communications and Informatics – Usman Kansong (0816785320).

Get more information on press releases, news, photos, and videos related to the 2023 HLM of the AIS Forum at https://s.id/aispedia.

Foto caption: Chair of the Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) of the AIS Forum, Deputy for Maritime Sovereignty and Energy Coordination of the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment Jodi Mahardi delivers a statement at the 5th Ministerial Meeting of the AIS Forum at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center, Nusa Dua, Badung Regency, Bali, Tuesday 10 October 2023. MEDIA CENTER OF THE 2023 HLM OF THE AIS FORUM/M Agung Rajasa/rwa.

Foreign Minister of Indonesia Retno L. P. Marsudi explained that the formulation of Leaders’ Declaration began at the Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) level. The material discussed during the 5th Ministerial Meeting (MM) of the AIS Forum today is the agreed outcome of the 7th SOM in Suva, Fiji, and the 8th SOM in Antananarivo, Madagascar. The ministers revisited the substance comprehensively in today’s event.

The heads of state will discuss the results of the 5th MM of the AIS Forum at the HLM of the AIS Forum on 11 October, which is expected to be agreed upon at the conclusion of the HLM. "President Jokowi will chair the plenary session of the 2023 HLM of the AIS Forum," said Minister Retno at the Media Center for the 2023 HLM of the AIS Forum.

The Leaders’ Declaration essentially demonstrates the commitment of archipelagic and island states to establish collaboration in addressing the challenges in marine development and climate change which threaten all island and archipelagic countries. The island and archipelagic countries, including Indonesia, must be in the vanguard in marine and climate change issues, because island and archipelagic countries are inseparable from the ocean, as well as face the greatest threat of climate change’s impact. 

"For Indonesia, this commitment is crucial because we are the largest archipelagic state," said Retno. Initiating the establishment of the AIS Forum in 2017 serves as one of Indonesia’s endeavors to invite other nations to walk hand in hand in addressing the challenges that are impossible to tackle alone.

Minister Retno emphasized that the leaders’ declaration document is expected to align with the spirit of achieving Goal 14 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 14). SDG 14 explicitly states that all countries must conserve their marine ecosystems.

Currently, the average achievement in implementing SDG 14 remains at 12%, which is far from the target. The commitment of the leaders of the AIS Forum participating countries is expected to help increase this average figure. 

"In implementing the SDGs, our figures are better than the global average," concluded the minister.

Indonesian President arrived at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Badung Regency on Tuesday, 10 October, at around 5:00 PM local time. President Joko Widodo was welcomed by Acting Governor of Bali S.M. Mahendra Jaya, Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces Admiral Yudo Margono, Chief of the Indonesian National Police General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, Head of the National Intelligence Agency Budi Gunawan, Director General of Protocol and Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Andy Rachmianto, and Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno.

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About AIS Forum:
The Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum is a global platform for cooperation among island and archipelagic states that aims at strengthening collaboration to address global issues with four main areas of focus: climate change mitigation and adaptation, the blue economy, marine plastic debris, and good maritime governance. The 2023 High-Level Meeting of the AIS Forum is organized to reinforce the role of the AIS Forum as a center for smart & innovative solutions and a platform for collaboration in promoting the future agenda of global maritime governance.

For more information, please contact:

Director General of Public Information and Communications of the Ministry of Communications and Informatics – Usman Kansong (0816785320). 

Get more press releases, news, photos, and videos related to the 2023 HLM of the AIS Forum at https://s.id/aispedia.

Foto caption: President Joko Widodo (right) is welcomed by the Director General of Protocol and Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Andy Rachmianto (left), upon his arrival at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Badung, Bali, Tuesday, 10 October 2023. He arrives in Bali to attend the High-Level Meeting of the Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum in Nusa Dua, Bali. AIS Forum 2023 Media Center/Fikri Yusuf/pras.

The Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno L. Marsudi conveyed the common commitment at a press conference at the Media Center of the 1st HLM of the AIS Forum, on Tuesday, 10 October.

“We are pleased that all delegates who attended the 5th Ministerial Meeting of the AIS Forum affirm the same commitment," she said. Minister Retno also explained that the meeting focused on blue economy development, climate change challenges, and solidarity between archipelagic and island countries.

After the meeting which took place at BNDCC, Badung, Bali, the participants of the 5th MM of the AIS Forum realized that the shared view was the main asset. All members of the AIS Forum agreed that they had to implement it to overcome various global challenges in the future, especially related to marine affairs.

Minister Retno said that the recent natural phenomena had to be tackled in the spirit of solidarity, by searching for innovative solutions together. "Solidarity and collaboration between archipelagic and island countries must be done by all stakeholders so that the impact will be wider," she said.

One of the agendas of the 5th MM was the formulation of a leaders' declaration document. Later on, the document will be submitted to heads of state to be discussed at the 1st HLM of the AIS Forum which will take place on Wednesday, 11 October. The 1st HLM will be chaired by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo.

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About AIS Forum:
The Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum is a global platform for cooperation among island and archipelagic states that aims at strengthening collaboration to address global issues with four main areas of focus: climate change mitigation and adaptation, the blue economy, marine plastic waste management, and good maritime governance. The 2023 High-Level Meeting of the AIS Forum is organized to reinforce the role of the AIS Forum as a center for smart & innovative solutions and a platform for collaboration in promoting the future agenda of global maritime governance.

For more information, please contact:

Director General of Public Information and Communications of the Ministry of Communications and Informatics – Usman Kansong (0816785320).

Get more information on press releases, narratives, photos, and videos related to the 2023 HLM of the AIS Forum at https://s.id/aispedia. 

Foto caption: The Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno L. Marsudi (front row, center) and all delegates of the 5th Ministerial Meeting of the AIS Forum pose for a group photo at BNDCC, Bali, on Tuesday, 10 October 2023. (Photo: Amiri Yandhi/InfoPublik)

The AIS Research and Development Conference was held to promote collaboration, to be a sharing knowledge platform, and to explore innovative solutions to safeguard the ocean’s future and global marine resources.

The Head of the AIS Forum Secretariat, Riny Modaso, revealed that the AIS Research and Development Conference gathered researchers and innovators who presented their research and development results on strategic issues, including innovations in marine biotechnology, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, marine technology, and the blue economy. The AIS R&D Conference was organized by the AIS Forum’s Research and Development department. 

"This conference is essential as it serves as a place for learning, exchanging ideas, and sharing innovations on crucial issues concerning the ocean and our future as an archipelagic country," said Riny.

Over two days, the conference became a platform to showcase science's contribution to the conservation and preservation of marine ecosystems in the future.

At the conference, presenters and participants will engage in meaningful discussions. Together, they identified gaps in knowledge and promoted collaboration between academicians, industries, and policymakers. The conference was a concrete action of the AIS Forum in responding to maritime issues faced by AIS countries.

Riny mentioned that the innovators shared their latest findings and breakthroughs in various aspects of marine science. They emphasized innovative solutions that supported the future of the ocean. 

"The AIS R&D Conference is a platform to showcase the sector in which research and development plays a role in safeguarding and conserving our ocean. We invite experts, academicians, and practitioners to engage in discussions, identify roles, and collaborate to drive research initiatives for a sustainable future," she said.

Furthermore, Riny added that 22 researchers from AIS Forum participating countries showcased their research results. After the conference, on 11 October, there will be a site visit to two study and development centers associated with sustainable marine innovation in Bali.

The success of this academic conference would be measured by the number of exchanges of insights and knowledge made. Furthermore, the conference was expected to produce innovative solutions that could be implemented to safeguard the ecosystems and the future of oceans and coastal areas. (AIS Forum Secretariat/Elvira Inda Sari/AAN/FLW)

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About AIS Forum:
The Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum is a global platform for cooperation among island and archipelagic states that aims at strengthening collaboration to address global issues with four main areas of focus: climate change mitigation and adaptation, the blue economy, marine plastic debris, and good maritime governance. The 2023 High-Level Meeting of the AIS Forum is organized to reinforce the role of the AIS Forum as a center for smart and innovative solutions and a platform for collaboration in promoting the future agenda of global maritime governance.

For more information, please contact:

Director General of Public Information and Communications of the Ministry of Communications and Informatics – Usman Kansong (0816785320). 

Get more press releases, news, photos, and videos related to the 2023 HLM of the AIS Forum at https://s.id/aispedia.

Foto caption: Rector of Padjajaran University, Prof. Rina Indiastuti (second right), Rector of IPB University, Prof. Arif Satria (second left), Co-Founder of Wicked Acceleration Labs Imperial College London, Cristobal Garcia (right), and University of Malta researcher Marie Stephanie (left) deliver statements to reporters after signing a Memorandum of Understanding on the sidelines of the 2023 HLM of the AIS Forum in Nusa Dua, Bali, Tuesday, 10 October. The cooperation is related to research and empowerment of coastal communities in preserving the marine environment. Media Center of the 2023 HLM of the AIS Forum/Aditya Pradana Putra/nym.