Ocean Accounts of Indonesia

Ocean Accounts of Indonesia

National ocean accounting

In July 2025, the Indonesian Government launched their national Ocean
Accounts Dashboard
, a publicly available, interactive platform containing all data related to Indonesia's national ocean accounts. The platform:

  • Will be regularly updated using remote sensing data as well as on-the-ground surveys
  • Uses a spatial frame that is harmonised across various sectors, allowing data to be used for decision-making related to Fisheries Management and Administrative Areas, Spatial Zonations, and Existing Marine Use Permits and their designated area

During the launch, the Government of Indonesia highlighted that ocean accounts are a powerful and important tool to (1) gather baseline data to track progress toward achieving international development agendas, including the Global Biodiversity Framework, (2) predict the impact of investment in coastal ecosystems health and (3) empower stakeholders to make informed decisions for a sustainable ocean economy.

"We consider ocean accounting as a powerful tool to allow sustainable practices to ensure ocean resources continue to thrive" - Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Government of Republic of Indonesia.

Ocean Accounts for Gili Mantra Marine Protected Area (2021-2022)

These reports are 'preliminary consultation drafts' and were published in 2022. Should you have any feedback or questions, please send them to Dr. Irfan Yulianto.

Date

1 September 2021 – 31 March 2022

Pilot study area

Gili Matra Marine Protected Area

Objectives

The Ocean Accounts of Indonesia pilot had three main objectives:

  • Conduct a national pilot on ocean accounts in Indonesia
  • Develop a roadmap for ocean accounts implementation
  • Improve knowledge and build capacity on ocean accounts among key stakeholders

Types of accounts

  • Ecosystem extent and condition
  • Flows to the economy
  • Flows to the environment
  • Governance

Methods

With reference to the Ocean Diagnostic Tool, three main methods were outlined to gather information and perspective from stakeholders:

  • (1) Indonesia’s policy framework and strategic planning
  • (2) Operationalisation and methods
  • (3) Priority, challenges, and opportunities for ocean accounts development

Challenges and lessons learned

Key Lesson Learned: A government-led initiative is important for collaborative action.

  • Challenge: Encountered various cross-sectoral interests. Solution: Collaborative action and a dedicated team.
  • Challenge: Data availability, especially for opening accounts. Solution: Deep dive into database from each institution and pool the datasets together.
  • Challenge: Understanding of methodology. Solution: Capacity building and intensive consultation with experts.

Contacts

Indonesia opens its ‘ocean account’ for sustainable marine management
The Indonesian government is designing a new scheme to measure the long-term benefits provided by the country’s marine and coastal ecosystems. The mechanism, known as ocean accounting and in development since 2021, is part of the Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries’ wider e…