23 April 2024 – In a crucial step towards fostering sustainable marine practices and rig decommissioning, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF), Republic of Indonesia, supported by KIORCC, facilitated a focused group discussion (FGD) in hybrid from Semarang, Indonesia. 

Learning from the successful implementation of the Rigs-to-Reefs (R2R) pilot project in 2022, this discussion centered on the academic paper and eventual policy development outlining the concept, involving various stakeholders ranging from governmental bodies to academia and civil society organizations. Attending this FGD included representatives from the MMAF, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, SKK Migas, KIORCC, Djuana University, and Rare.

The discussion revolved around the academic paper that would later be translated into a national policy. Participants delved into multifaceted considerations, analyzing zonation, the scope of work, management, identifying potential stakeholder roles, and the possible economic, social and cultural impacts from the R2R itself. 

As the dialogue unfolded, a collaborative spirit was felt amongst the participants, emphasizing Indonesia’s commitment in marine conservation endeavors. From the various participants, effective input was provided on both a technical and regulatory level, underlining the importance of inter-ministerial participation in this policy development effort. 

The outcome of this dialogue will be pivotal to formulate actionable policy measures, signaling a new chapter in Indonesia’s marine governance landscape. KIORCC is optimistic of the future of R2R initiatives in Indonesia, and will continue to support Korean-Indonesian collaborations in the matter.