Business · Energy & Commodities · 14 hrs ago
Indonesia Urges Stronger Protection of Underwater Maritime Heritage
Indonesia’s fisheries ministry called for stronger protection of underwater heritage at a maritime conference in Denpasar, Bali, held from 26 to 31 October 2026.
The event brought together researchers, government officials, coastal communities, Indigenous groups, businesses and others to discuss maritime heritage and blue economies in the Asia-Pacific.
The ministry said research, mapping and monitoring should guide conservation, with coastal communities taking a leading role.
The USAT Liberty shipwreck off Tulamben, Bali, shows how an underwater heritage site can provide habitat for marine life and attract visitors.
Protecting these sites matters because healthy marine ecosystems support coastal livelihoods and can help reduce the effects of climate change.
The ministry also pointed to local rules such as sasi, Panglima Laot and awig-awig as traditions that can support responsible sea management.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries is urging stronger research, mapping and monitoring to protect underwater maritime heritage.
The ministry says coastal communities should play a leading role in conserving underwater sites.
Officials say protecting maritime heritage can help preserve ecosystems, support climate efforts and improve coastal livelihoods.
The issue was discussed at the sixth Asia-Pacific Conference on Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage in Denpasar, Bali.
The conference ran from 26 to 31 October 2026 and focused on maritime heritage and blue economies in the Asia-Pacific.
- Who
- Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, led by Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, is urging stronger protection.
- What
- The ministry is calling for stronger research, mapping and monitoring of underwater maritime sites, with coastal communities playing a leading role.
- When
- The call was reported on 31 October 2026, during a conference held from 26 to 31 October 2026.
- Where
- The conference took place in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia.
- Why
- Officials say protection can help conserve ecosystems, reduce climate-change impacts and support coastal livelihoods.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
APCONF began in Manila, the Philippines.
The sixth Asia-Pacific Conference on Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage was held in Denpasar, Bali.
Officials described the conference and the ministry’s call to strengthen protection of underwater maritime heritage.
- Conference
- The 6th Asia-Pacific Conference on Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage (APCONF6)
- Location
- Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
- Dates
- 26–31 October 2026
- Theme
- Traditions and Trajectories: Maritime Heritage and Blue Economies in Asia-Pacific
- Underwater site
- USAT Liberty wreck, Tulamben, Bali
- Conference milestone
- 15 years of APCONF
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What people are saying
This forum must truly become a space for knowledge exchange, stronger collaboration, and policy dialogue to connect maritime heritage preservation with blue economy development.
Our marine wealth is not limited to natural resources; it also includes underwater heritage that has long been home to various kinds of marine life.
In facing climate change, pollution, and habitat damage, strengthening research, mapping, and site monitoring while placing coastal communities as the main actors in preservation is key.