ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, in collaboration with the Indonesian Ocean Justice Initiative (IOJI), convened a high-level forum titled “Advancing the Law of the Sea: Addressing Climate Change and Marine Biodiversity Challenges”. The event marks a significant step in formulating a responsive and forward-looking maritime law policy for Indonesia, addressing the evolving global landscape of climate change and marine biodiversity conservation.
Held in Jakarta, May 9, 2025, the forum featured two panel sessions with prominent national and international speakers. The first panel focused on the ITLOS Advisory Opinion on Climate Change, issued in May 2024. Key speakers included the President of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), H.E. Judge Tomas H. Heidar, and Indonesian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arif Havas Oegroseno. The discussion explored the legal implications of the advisory opinion, including its interpretation of the definition and scope of marine pollution under UNCLOS 1982, and the obligations of coastal states—like Indonesia—to prevent, reduce, and control pollution arising from climate change impacts.
The second panel offered an in-depth review of the BBNJ Agreement (Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction), a landmark treaty recently adopted at the global level and currently under ratification by Indonesia. Panelists included Prof. Dr. Eddy Pratomo (Dean of Pancasila University), Zaki Mubarok (Head of Public Relations and Foreign Cooperation Bureau, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries), and Hagi Yulia Sugeha (Senior Researcher, National Research and Innovation Agency). Discussions centered on Indonesia’s preparedness to implement the agreement, necessary adjustments to national legislation, and potential regional and multilateral cooperation opportunities to effectively safeguard marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction.
The forum gathered policymakers, academics, maritime law experts, and cross-sectoral stakeholders. The outcome is expected to shape an adaptive and progressive Indonesian maritime law framework aligned with national interests and the principles of sustainable development.
“As the world’s largest archipelagic state, Indonesia must ensure the implementation of international maritime law in accordance with the principles of justice, sovereignty, and maritime security,” stressed Deputy Minister Oegroseno.
On a related note, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the nomination of two prominent Indonesian legal scholars to prestigious international legal bodies:
- Eddy Pratomo as Indonesia’s candidate for Judge at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for the 2026–2035 term
- Hikmahanto Juwana as Indonesia’s candidate for Member of the United Nations International Law Commission (ILC) for the 2028–2032 term
The election of ITLOS judges will take place in June 2026 in New York, while the ILC election is scheduled for November 2027 during the UN General Assembly session.
These nominations reaffirm Indonesia’s commitment to advancing the development of international maritime law and strengthening its active role in the global legal arena. “This is a pivotal step to enhance Indonesia’s contribution to global peace and international order,” stated the Ministry’s spokesperson.
By formulating a maritime law policy that integrates evolving international legal principles, Indonesia underscores its position as a pioneer in equitable, sustainable, and future-oriented ocean governance. (AT Network)
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