Implementation Of Sustainable Development Principles In Marine Resources Exploration And Exploitation Licensing

Abstract

This study examines the implementation of sustainable development principles in the licensing system for the exploration and exploitation of marine resources in Indonesia. As the largest archipelago in the world with a coastline of 99,093 kilometers and waters of 5.8 million square kilometers, Indonesia has significant marine economic potential but faces challenges in sustainable utilization. Using a socio- legal approach, the research was conducted in three locations (Anambas Islands, Bintan, and Bangka) by analyzing the regulatory framework and its implementation in the field. The results show significant fragmentation in the regulatory framework with 12 sectoral laws and 8 ministries/institutions having authority related to licensing, where only 42% of regulations explicitly integrate sustainability principles. Field findings reveal substantial gaps between regulation and implementation, including a lack of post-permit monitoring, limited capacity to assess ecological sustainability, and low community participation in the permitting process. Obstacles to implementation include conflict of norms between regulations, limited institutional capacity, and weak coordination between institutions. Based on an analysis of best practices from Australia, Norway, and the Philippines, this study proposes a sustainable licensing model for Indonesia that includes regulatory reform, spatially based integrated licensing systems, strengthening environmental impact assessment mechanisms, developing integrated information systems, and strengthening community participation through co-management. The implementation of this model has the potential to support the development of the Blue Economy in Indonesia by increasing the economic value of marine resources by up to 30% in 10 years, reducing resource utilization conflicts, and reversing the trend of degradation of marine ecosystems.