Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia is fast-tracking blue carbon as a central element of its climate transition strategy while submitting its second NDC and preparing for the COP31 Climate Conference in Antalya, Turkey.An official of the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry, Koswara, in an official statement in Jakarta on Friday, emphasized that Indonesia has a strategic opportunity to lead the development of blue carbon at the global level.According to him, this leadership can only be realized through institutional alignment, integrated policies, and coordinated financing mechanisms.”Integrating marine issues into the national and global climate agenda can strengthen Indonesia's marine climate diplomacy in various international forums,” he said.The ministry notes that Indonesia is home to approximately 17 percent of global blue carbon ecosystems, including mangroves, seagrasses, and brackish waters.With marine areas covering almost three-quarters of the nation's total land area, Indonesia's blue economy potential is estimated to reach US$1.3 trillion.Ary Sudjianto, an official of the Environment Ministry, added that blue carbon policies must align with Indonesia's Second National Development Planning (NDC).Sudjianto stated that the step is crucial to ensure measurable and accountable contributions to the emission reduction targets of 31.89 percent independently and 43.2 percent with international support.As part of an effort to accelerate blue carbon implementation, the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry held the Ocean Climate Dialogue 2026 with the Climate Works Centre and The Conservation Indonesia on Wednesday (Feb 11).This forum brought together cross-sector stakeholders to align science, governance, grassroots knowledge, regulations, and financial instruments, so that blue carbon policy ambitions can be realized through concrete implementation.The panel discussion highlighted the gap between the availability of scientific data and the readiness of blue carbon projects on the ground.Financial institutions and development partners emphasized the importance of a strong scientific foundation, regulatory certainty, and appropriate financing instruments to unlock investment and scale projects.National planners also called for a clear roadmap to align policy, financing, and implementation across various levels of government.By strengthening marine data, integrating marine spatial planning, carbon policies, and mobilizing sustainable financing, blue carbon is believed to be a strategic driver for emission reduction, increased coastal resilience, and sustainable economic growth.