As part of the Arafura and Timor Seas region, Indonesia makes a significant contribution to preserving the biodiversity of these waters, which support the livelihoods of coastal communities. Managing such an important area requires careful coordination, which is where the National Inter-Ministerial Committee (NIMC) comes in. By aligning national efforts with regional goals, the committee helps ensure that Indonesia’s marine policies are robust and effective. This committee brings together various ministries and stakeholders, ensuring they work together seamlessly to tackle challenges such as Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, marine pollution, and the effects of climate change on coastal areas.
The NIMC is organised to ensure effective decision-making and implementation. Its structure includes the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries as the coach, providing overall direction and strategic oversight. The Steering Committee, chaired by the Directorate General of Marine and Fisheries Resources Surveillance, guides the technical direction of the NIMC’s initiatives. Several technical working groups focus on specialised areas such as marine debris management, oil spill response, and protected species conservation, while the Secretariat supports coordination among task forces and ensures smooth communication between different bodies within the NIMC.
The NIMC operates through six task forces, each addressing a key component of marine management. The Marine Debris Management Task Force focuses on reducing plastic waste and promoting clean ocean initiatives. The Oil Spill Response Task Force develops strategies and protocols for rapid response to oil spills, minimising environmental impact. The IUU fishing Prevention Task Force aims to eliminate illegal fishing practices through monitoring, enforcement, and community engagement. The Protected Species and Critical Habitats Task Force is dedicated to the conservation of endangered marine species and their habitats. Additionally, the Climate Change Task Force integrates climate resilience into marine management, ensuring that coastal communities can adapt to changing conditions. Lastly, the Gender Mainstreaming and Social Inclusion Task Force promotes gender equality in marine and fisheries activities and ensures that marginalised groups are included in decision-making processes.
Since its inception, the NIMC has strengthened marine conservation, designed resilient marine protected area networks, and improved fisheries management. It has also played an integral part in bringing together various stakeholders, aligning regional and national governance efforts.
Looking forward, the NIMC is set to continue playing a key role as Indonesia moves from project-based efforts, like those in the ATSEA-2 Project, to a more integrated approach. This includes expanding regional collaborations, empowering local communities, and using data-driven insights to guide future strategies. These efforts are geared towards ensuring that Indonesia’s marine ecosystems remain healthy and productive, supporting both the environment and local communities.
The NIMC exemplifies effective collaborative governance, uniting different groups towards the shared goal of sustainably managing Indonesia’s valuable marine resources. As new challenges arise, the committee’s structured approach and dedication to collaboration will be essential in protecting the vibrant life of Indonesia’s seas.
By Safran Yusri