Against the backdrop of the Java Sea, Indonesia’s president-elect Joko “Jokowi” Widodo delivered his first speech after officially being declared winner of the recent election. Amid all the talk of renewed unity after what was a bitter campaign, one bold statement went largely unnoticed.
Yet it was an important sign of intent from our new leader. Indonesia’s rich maritime resources, Jokowi confirmed, would be the focus and foundation of future development in Indonesia.
This is a logical place to focus our attention. Indonesia is, after all, home to 75 percent of the world’s coral species, at least 30 percent of fish species, 20 percent of total global mangrove cover, as well as numerous species of seagrass.
With at least 60 percent of Indonesia’s population living along the coastline, focusing development in this area should help to…